By George Best Okoroh
The Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Owerri North, Imo State, has reiterated its commitment to the welfare, evangelization and integration of migrants living within its jurisdiction.
The Bishop of Egbu Diocese, His Lordship, the Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okorafor, stated this while speaking on the activities and vision of the Diocese’s Migrants Mission.
Bishop Okorafor explained that the mission caters for Nigerians from different parts of the country as well as foreigners from neighbouring countries such as Chad and Niger who reside within communities under the Diocese.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the mandate of the Church of Nigeria Missionary Society to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, promote reconciliation and foster peaceful coexistence between migrants and host communities.
The Bishop disclosed that the mission has been operating for over three years under the leadership of the Rev. Fortunatus Nnadi, who was posted by the Church of Nigeria, specifically, to coordinate migrant ministry activities in the area.
He noted that migrant communities are spread across Nekede, Egbu, Ihiagwa and Naze, among other locations within the Diocese, adding that the mission’s outreach extends beyond Egbu Diocese to parts of Owerri, Okigwe and Ohaji-Egbema dioceses.
While expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far, the Prelate lamented the financial burden of sustaining the programme, revealing that the Diocese of Egbu has remained the sole sponsor of the mission despite expectations of support from the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province and other Dioceses benefiting from the outreach.
The Rt. Rev. Okorafor highlighted some of the Diocese’s interventions, including the provision of accommodation, musical instruments, chairs, Bibles and other welfare materials for migrants.
He also disclosed that Bibles in Hausa dialect were donated through a medical practitioner from the Diocese resident in Abuja after addressing the Church of Nigeria Standing held at the Niger Delta Diocese in 2025.
On concerns about the legal status of migrants, the Bishop said the Diocese would work through its legal department to ensure proper documentation and identification of migrant beneficiaries, particularly those from outside Nigeria.
He acknowledged that some members of host communities still harbour negative perceptions about migrants, often associating them with insecurity.
However, he emphasized that many of the migrants are Christians seeking fellowship and peaceful coexistence.
The Bishop called on Churches, communities and individuals to support the mission through donations and partnerships, stressing that migrants deserve love, care and a sense of belonging as fellow human beings and Christians.
He expressed optimism that continued evangelism, discipleship and empowerment programmes would help transform lives and strengthen harmonious relationships between migrants and their host communities.
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