By Filibus Bakari Auta
Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel, Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church Nigeria Episcopal Area, has distributed 48 motorcycles to District Superintendents (DSs) drawn from the five Annual Conferences in Nigeria, in a major move aimed at strengthening pastoral outreach, evangelism, and mission work across the Episcopal Area.
The motorcycles are intended to ease the transportation challenges faced by District Superintendents, particularly those serving in rural communities and difficult terrains that are often inaccessible by conventional vehicles.
Addressing the District Superintendents during the distribution, Bishop Ande charged them to use the motorcycles strictly for the purpose for which they were provided.
He urged them to see the gesture not merely as personal assistance, but as a missionary tool entrusted to them to reach communities, establish churches, win souls, and advance the mission of the United Methodist Church.
Photos by Joseph Balasa
Speaking on behalf of the District Superintendents of the newly inaugurated South West Nigeria Annual Conference, Rev. Markus D. Jauro, District Superintendent of Sunkani District, expressed deep appreciation to Bishop Ande for what he described as a great relief to ministers serving in difficult terrains.
He noted that many villages within the districts are difficult to access by vehicles, making transportation a major challenge for effective ministry.
“This is a great relief for us. There are villages that are sometimes not accessible with vehicles. This motorcycle will make it easier for us to reach our people and extend the ministry of the church.”
Also speaking on behalf of the District Superintendents of the Central Nigeria Annual Conference, Rev. Hassana Raymond the District Superintendent of Haske District thanked Bishop Ande for responding to one of the practical needs of ministers on the field.
She assured the Bishop that the motorcycles would inspire the District Superintendents to serve with renewed courage and dedication.
“My travel burden is now less, and I assure the Bishop of results.”
From the Northern Nigeria Annual Conference, Rev. Antiya Ishaya described the initiative as unprecedented in his more than two decades of ministry.
“I have been in the ministry of the Church for over two decades, and this is my first time seeing a Bishop respond directly to the exact needs of District Superintendents.”
Rev. Ishaya explained that transportation had remained a significant challenge for many District Superintendents who frequently travel through difficult and remote terrains.
“Today, we can boldly say that our travel burden has been lifted. We are very grateful to Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel for this gesture.”
Representing the District Superintendents of the North East Nigeria Annual Conference, Rev. Monday Marwa said the distribution was directly aligned with the missional needs of the Conference.
“Many of us are going through travel hardship, but we see this gift as a response to this need. We are grateful to Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel.”
The Dean of Cabinet of the Nigeria Episcopal Area, Rev. Eli S. Sule, described the distribution as a significant response to one of the Church’s central mission needs in Nigeria.
He expressed satisfaction with the response of the District Superintendents and encouraged them to become more proactive, committed, and dedicated to their mission mandate.
“Today, the bishop has responded to one of the central mission needs of the Church in Nigeria. We are glad that the District Superintendents are happy with the Bishop’s gesture.”
Rev. Sule urged the recipients to demonstrate the impact of the motorcycles through measurable progress in their respective districts.
He said the Episcopal Area would expect progress reports from districts as the motorcycles are deployed for mission work. He also encouraged District Superintendents who were not included in the first batch to remain committed and work diligently, assuring them that there would be opportunities in subsequent distributions.
In his final charge, Bishop Ande called on the District Superintendents to rise to the occasion and make full use of the new mobility provided to them.
“Go in your might. Conquer the lands under you for the United Methodist Church. Plant churches, win souls, and make the Lord proud.”
The distribution of the motorcycles represents a significant investment in grassroots ministry and demonstrates the Episcopal Area’s commitment to removing practical barriers that hinder effective mission and evangelism.
For the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, the initiative signals a new dawn of renewed mobility, stronger grassroots presence, aggressive evangelism, and expanded mission engagement.
The Church is moving forward with confidence, carrying the gospel to communities near and far.
The mission advances. The Church moves forward. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, bishop Ande concluded.
