Newly completed Seventh-Day Adventist Church

About 7 years ago, my mother came to me tearfully and said, " Dinneya (as she affectionately calls me when she wants me to do something for her) of all the things left for us to do in this world before your father and I die, the most important one will be for you to build a church for our people in Akwete. Your father and I have served the church in several other towns, villages and cities,, helping to cater for the physical and spiritual well being of others, but have done nothing to show for our people in Akwete. They worship God in an aged and dilapidated building unfit for a place of worship. Please build a decent place of worship for our people to worship God in Akwete." As I looked into her eyes, I saw the passion and emotion with which she submerged her wishes. It was then that I rolled up my sleeves put on my "jogging boots and took off for the races", and ran with the idea.

Bishop, Canon, Elders and Chiefs at SDA church dedication.

Before I could involve anyone else, I had to show my own side of commitment by involving my own personal funds. My wife and I (with the support and encouragement of family and friends) began by looking at the available site to build the church. By this time, my parents had solicited the assistance of Chief Olujie, one of our local chiefs, to be the go-between and secure the cooperation of the elders and fellow chiefs in giving up a prime piece of community property surrounding the old church.

Dr. and Mrs. Olujie at SDA church dedication.

Professor and Mrs. Sherman Nagel, physician, surgeon, professor, missionary, and philanthropist, while on one of their several visits to Nigeria were solicited to help convince the chiefs to give up the land. Even though, he didn't have to say much, his presence magnified the view of the importance this project had. We secured the extra land with frontage access to the road.

An Architect was procured, Uche Okorie, who gave us a sketch and design for the church, free of charge. The foundation was laid, and here is the church today. The church construction itself generated lots of jobs for the people who otherwise would have been helpless and jobless. We thank God and you for your prayers and support.

Dr. Ekeke giving a speech at SDA church dedication.(Dec.2000)

The church was dedicated December 30, 2000, by Professor Sherman Nagel. Even though the church building has been completed, extensive work still remains to be done with regards to the fixtures. Emmanuel Ekeke, RN, CRNA, (a nephrology, cardiovascular and anesthesia nurse in New York), donated all of the money for the pews. We need to complete the doors and windows by installing glass coverings. You can designate your donations to this project.

Dr. Nagel and local pastor at SDA church dedication.

Our people are very grateful for your help. Tremendous gratitude from us, goes to all my friends, classmates and schoolmates at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, who were unbelievable in their support every time they were called upon to help. May God richly bless them all.

Please visit the contributions page of our website to see other ways you may be able to help with our numerous projects. There remains much to be done.