Primate Henry Ndukuba Marks 65 Years of Faithful Service

Rev. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, As Archbishop Ndukuba marks his 65th birthday on July 18, 2026, with a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of Advent, Life Camp, Gwarampa, Abuja, his journey offers a powerful lesson in faith, dedication and servant leadership. His years of ministry continue to inspire many within the Anglican Communion and beyond. Source: PUNCH

Having worked closely with him for the past five years, I have had the privilege of seeing his leadership firsthand. I have watched him combine spiritual wisdom with humility and strong administrative skills. Those qualities have shaped his leadership and earned him the respect of church leaders and members alike.

One of my earliest encounters with Archbishop Ndukuba came soon after he succeeded the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh as Primate of the Church of Nigeria. At the same time, I was appointed chairman of the Board of Management of Advent Cable Network Nigeria Television.

At first, I wondered whether the new Primate would allow enough freedom for the television ministry to grow. My fears quickly disappeared. Instead of controlling every decision, he encouraged fresh ideas and trusted those given responsibility. That confidence created room for creativity and progress. Looking back, my years in that supervisory role remain among the most rewarding in my professional career.

His leadership style goes beyond one ministry. As the spiritual leader of more than twenty million Anglicans across Nigeria, Archbishop Ndukuba combines firmness with compassion. He expects commitment from those who serve with him. At the same time, he believes in correcting and mentoring people rather than casting them aside. His approach shows that discipline and kindness can work together.

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Even more, his greatest passion is evangelism. Sharing the Gospel is not simply another duty. It is the centre of his calling. Whether preaching before large crowds, commissioning missionaries or encouraging church planting, his goal remains the same. He wants more people to know Jesus Christ and experience salvation.

His energy continues to amaze those around him. Despite a demanding schedule, he travels across dioceses, provinces and different countries without losing focus. He moves from one assignment to another with determination and joy. His commitment reflects a deep sense of purpose.

Leading one of the largest Anglican provinces in the world is not an easy task. With more than 180 active bishops serving across 14 ecclesiastical provinces, the responsibility is enormous. Yet Archbishop Ndukuba carries the burden with remarkable calm.

On one occasion, I asked him how he managed the constant challenges that came with overseeing such a large church. His answer was simple.

“God has been faithful.”

Those four words explain the foundation of his leadership. His confidence rests in God’s guidance rather than in his own ability.

His response also reminded me of a conversation I had many years ago with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo while covering his political campaigns. When I asked him how he handled the pressure of national leadership, he answered, “Look up to Jesus, the problem solver.”

That same faith shines through Archbishop Ndukuba’s life. Whether he faces criticism or receives praise, he remains steady because his trust is firmly rooted in God.

Beyond the pulpit, Archbishop Ndukuba is also known for his generous heart. He gives quietly without seeking attention. Many people have benefited from his kindness over the years. I am one of those who have personally experienced his support. His generosity comes naturally because service has become part of his daily life.

His work schedule is equally remarkable. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to glance through his engagement diary. It was filled with pastoral visits, church meetings, missionary activities, international engagements and administrative responsibilities. The calendar stretched well into the following year, yet he carried each assignment without complaint.

Behind this successful ministry stands a faithful partner, his wife, Mama Angela Ndukuba. Throughout the years, she has remained by his side, sharing both the sacrifices and the victories of ministry. Their partnership reflects unity, commitment and a shared calling to serve God.

Another strength of Archbishop Ndukuba’s leadership is his commitment to inclusion. He believes every believer has a role to play in God’s work. As a result, he has created many committees and ministry platforms that allow people to use their gifts. At the same time, he closely monitors their performance and expects accountability. He has little room for mediocrity because he believes every worker ultimately serves God.

His respect for discipline is equally clear. While he is compassionate, he insists that the Church’s rules must be followed. Clergy members who break church regulations face the proper disciplinary process, while faithful workers receive encouragement and recognition. This balance of mercy, justice and accountability has strengthened confidence in his administration.

Many people often ask why his years as Primate have remained stable despite the challenges of leading such a large church. His answer has never changed.

He remains focused on vigorous evangelism, winning souls for Christ and planting churches. Above everything else, he believes all glory belongs to God.

That vision reflects the Great Commission recorded in Mark 16:15, where Jesus instructed His followers to preach the Gospel to every creature. For Archbishop Ndukuba, buildings and institutions have value, but transformed lives remain the true measure of ministry. His greatest desire is to leave behind a legacy of lives changed through Christ.

As Archbishop Henry Ndukuba continues the final years of his decade as Primate, he remains a strong example of faithful leadership, humility and complete devotion to God’s calling. His life reminds Christians that true leadership grows through service, sacrifice and obedience to God.

As he celebrates his 65th birthday, my prayer is that God will continue to strengthen him, his beloved wife Angela and their family. May the Lord grant them wisdom, good health, renewed strength and abundant grace for the years ahead, May their future be even more fruitful than the years behind them. May God continue to honour their faithful service.

Happy 65th birthday, Your Grace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Content Credit: Idowu Adigun

Image Credit: Facebook.com