The Most Rev’d Dr. Ogbonnaya Christian Johnson has emerged the Primate-Elect of the First African Church Mission (TFIACM) at the just-concluded 135th Annual General Conference of the Mission.
The emergence of Johnson marks a significant leadership transition in the history of the Church, as he is expected to take over from the incumbent Primate, Dr. S. Matilukuro, whose primatial tenure will come to a successful end on September 30, 2026, after which he will disengage from the ministry of the Mission.
According to the communique issued at the end of the conference, Johnson was elected by the Church’s College of Bishops to lead the Mission into its next phase, while Elder Arch. Ayorinde Ajala emerged unopposed as the Deputy Lay President.
The Conference described the leadership developments as part of the Mission’s continued effort to strengthen its administrative and spiritual structures and ensure effective succession within the Church.
A major highlight of the 135th Annual General Conference was also the celebration of the completion and dedication of the Primate Palace. The Conference received the development with joy and appreciation to Almighty God, noting that the palace was dedicated to the glory of God on August 4, 2026.
The dedication was described as a historic milestone for the Mission, particularly because, for the first time in its history, the Primate will officially take residence at the Primate Palace. The development, according to the Conference, represents another testimony to God’s faithfulness and the collective efforts of members toward the advancement of the Church.
The conference also turned its attention to national development, reaffirming the Mission’s commitment to continually pray for Nigeria and its leaders. It urged those entrusted with leadership responsibilities to pilot the affairs of the country with the fear of God and work toward the peace, stability and progress of the nation.
It equally appealed to parents to devote adequate time and attention to the upbringing of their children, stressing that the character and values instilled in the younger generation would play a major role in determining the future of Nigeria.
In preparation for the next election cycle, the Conference advised members to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and encouraged them to participate actively in politics at the grassroots, state and national levels.
The Church noted that responsible participation in the political process would enable its members to contribute meaningfully to governance and the development of society, while also encouraging them to exercise their civic responsibilities responsibly.
On the future of the Mission, the Conference tasked the incoming Primate and General Council to ensure that the proposed Model School becomes a reality in the not-too-distant future.
The Conference stressed that the Model School should not remain merely a vision or an idea on paper but should be transformed into a functioning institution capable of contributing to the educational development of children and young people.
It further charged the Mission to continue striving to take the Church to its rightful position within the community of churches in Nigeria and beyond, emphasizing that the progress recorded over the past ten years must be sustained and improved upon.
The Conference maintained that the Mission could not afford to go below the height it had attained in the last decade, urging the incoming leadership, clergy, laity and members to work together toward greater spiritual growth, unity, institutional development and societal impact.
In another significant development, the Conference congratulated Ven. Joel Yokti on his emergence as Bishop-Elect of the proposed Juntan Diocese.
The 135th Annual General Conference therefore ended on a note of thanksgiving and renewed commitment, with the Mission looking toward a new era under the leadership of Primate-Elect Most Revd Dr. Ogbonnaya Christian Johnson.
His emergence, alongside the other leadership developments and resolutions of the Conference, is expected to provide fresh impetus for the Mission as it seeks to consolidate its achievements, strengthen its structures and deepen its spiritual and social impact in Nigeria and beyond.
