The Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria and Moderator of the General Assembly, His Eminence, Ekpenyong Akpanika PhD, has presented a four-year scorecard to the 27th General Assembly of the Church, describing his tenure so far as one of “remarkable testimonies, difficult challenges, important decisions and visible progress.”

Delivering the address at the Assembly marking the Church’s 180th Anniversary, the Prelate said the period since August 2022 has been guided by deliberate reforms, mission expansion and prudent stewardship aimed at strengthening the Church for present and future generations.

“When I accepted the sacred responsibility of leading this great Church in August 2022, I did so with passion and a profound awareness that the office of the Prelate is fundamentally a call to servant leadership,” he told the Venerable Assembly.

On reforms and governance, he said a major highlight of the administration was the implementation of Synod Autonomy, now operational for over two years.

According to the Prelate, the reform has brought governance closer to the people and encouraged greater ownership and accountability. Abakaliki and Eko Synods have attained full Synodical status, while Abuja Synod has applied to become autonomous effective September 1, 2026.

He said that the Church also approved a comprehensive Policy and Guidelines for Managing Education in February 2026 to restore Presbyterian schools as institutions of first choice. New School-Based Management Committees and oversight structures have been put in place across Parishes, Presbyteries and Synods.

Akpanika said the Mary Slessor International Foundation for Humanity was also revitalized with a new management team. The Foundation has established the Mary Slessor Memorial and Legacy Centre in Uyo, with approvals for similar centres in Calabar and Arochukwu, he said..

On mission, the Prelate said evangelism remains the foremost priority. The Church marked its 180th anniversary on April 10, 2026 with thanksgiving services across Synods, and launched a drive to plant one new church in each Synod in commemoration.

He also announced progress on the Nigerian Presbyterian Church in Toronto, Canada, where Rev. Ukoha Ngwobia Ukoha has been posted following collaboration with the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Presbytery of West Toronto.

The Prelate however warned against exaggeration of mission reports, urging ministers and church leaders to uphold honesty and accountability. “Mission is measured by transformed lives, not just statistics,” he said.

Akpanika said that the administration reported significant progress in institutional assets. “The Guest Houses in Calabar and Aba have been revitalized to reduce hospitality costs and generate income. Work is also ongoing at the City of Light Retreat Centre.

He disclosed that the PresbyFarms Ltd has commenced talks for a 99-year lease to enable commercial rice production, and has paid N4 million as levy to the General Assembly for 2025-2026.

The Prelate further disclosed that the PresbyPress received a new Board and new equipment including a Kord machine and lamination machine, and has remitted N3 million in levies, adding that an investigation was also ordered into the non-viability of Presby Water Factory, Aba.

The Prelate said that the church’s property in Aviation Estate, Abuja has yielded about N9 million within the period.

Akpanika described the establishment of the PCN Endowment Fund as a major milestone currently standing at N438,190,000, adding that the church targets N1 billion by 2030 and N2 billion in subsequent administrations.

The Prelate said the principal will be preserved while only interest will support pension, scholarships, projects and welfare. He thanked the Presbyterian Church Canada for support that cleared all pension and gratuity arrears, and the Church of Scotland for the Mary Loise Archibald Legacy Fund.

Other support acknowledged included N4,052,500 from Rev. Dr Elijah Obinna and Carluke and Law Church of Scotland for schools and theological training.

He said the Church deepened ecumenical ties through CCN, CAN, and WCRC, with participation in the 27th WCRC General Council and 32nd CCN General Assembly.

In 2025, the Prelate was recognized among the 100 Most Reputable Africans by Reputation Poll International, UK.

The Prelate said looking ahead, the administration proposes

Aggressive Evangelism and Church Planting to 2031, with proof of ministry before ordination, growth of the Endowment Fund with professional trustees, creation of Christian Boys in-Training, CBIT, as a full Arm of the Church and the completion of the Vocational Centre with a tailoring unit for clerical wears.

Others, he said include the establishment of an Old People’s Home in Calabar, with N5.5 million already spent on renovation of a donated property,Diaspora representation in General Assembly, following election of officers for PCN UK/Europe, restructuring of GA Finance with a tenured Chief Accountant/Treasurer from September 2028 and reduction of General Assembly delegates to 300-500 for efficiency.

“Our desire by the grace of God is to leave a Church that is spiritually vibrant, financially resilient, institutionally strong, mission-driven and socially relevant,” the Prelate concluded. (The Guardian)

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