Rt. Revd. Godwin Tersoo Simon Yakela, PhD, has declared that his episcopacy will be driven by the will of God and not personal ambition, as he was consecrated and enthroned as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Makurdi, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Bishop Yakela, who spoke during his enthronement sermon at the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Makurdi, on Saturday, September 19, preached on the theme: “Thy Kingdom Come,” drawing inspiration from Hebrews 10:1–10.
The new bishop recalled that he gave his life to Christ in 1995 in Gusau, Zamfara State, while dreams he had in 1998 became a turning point in his journey into Christian ministry. He said he had always believed that God had a purpose, plan and will for his life.
“If His will includes that I am a bishop at this time, then that means it includes the Diocese of Makurdi,” Yankela said, stressing that his mandate was to seek and do God’s will rather than pursue a personal agenda.
He outlined his vision for the diocese as a going, disciple-making, teaching, caring, financially strong and socially responsive church. He urged the clergy and laity to prioritise the Kingdom of God, noting that their predecessors did not remain stagnant, but worked to expand the Anglican Church in Benue, resulting in the creation of four dioceses.
Bishop Yakela also pledged to promote the welfare of the laity, ensure prudent financial management and build a church that responds positively to the needs of society. He charged Anglican faithful serving in government, business and other sectors to represent Christ through integrity and justice, declaring that the church would not tolerate criminality among its members.
Addressing the clergy, the new bishop said, “I am one of you. I know and understand you. I will be your shepherd.” He acknowledged that he was neither the most educated nor the most experienced among them, but had been chosen to lead, promising to lead from the front and calling for cooperation in advancing the work of the church.
He also thanked Anglican faithful and friends of the diocese for accepting him and his wife, saying the joy and support that followed his election had demonstrated their welcome. He urged them to sustain the support and work together to grow the diocese.
Bishop Emeritus Nathan Nyom congratulated Rt. Revd Yakela and thanked God for allowing him to witness the consecration and enthronement. Nyom, who vacated the episcopal seat following his thanksgiving on October 20, 2024, prayed that God would give his successor the grace to fulfil his calling, citing John 3:24.
