Held at: United Methodist Church, Samson Gwalladi, Filiya
Date: November 5th – 9th, 2025
Theme: “Behold, I am doing a new thing…” — Isaiah 43:19
- The president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
- His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinibu
- The Executive Governor of Gombe State,
- His Excellency Alh Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya
- First Danmajen Gombe, Sarkin Yakin Filiya,
- The President of the West Africa College of Bishops,
- Bishop Samuel Jerome Quire
- The Resident Bishop of the Sierra Leone Annual Conference,
- Bishop James Boye-Caulker
- The President Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),
- Archbishop Daniel Okoh
- The Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria Gombe State,
- Rev Father Alphayo Joseph Singer
- The Guest Speaker, Rev. Yavi Adamu Titus
- Annual Conference Lay Leader, Engr Jonathan Manu Umaru
- The Assistant to the bishop Nigeria Episcopal Area,
- Rev. Dr. Isa Audu Dunah
- The Dean of Bishop’s Cabinet Nigeria Episcopal Area,
- Rev. Eli S. Yakku
- Director Connectional Ministries, Nigeria Episcopal Area,
- Rev Dr Philip Micah Dopah JP
- Members of the Bishop’s Cabinet and extended cabinet,
- Members of the Ministerial Session and laity session,
- Delegates, and members of the press,
PREAMBLE
Grace and Peace of God be with you all. On behalf of the faithful United Methodists in Nigeria, districts of Senegal and Cameroon I welcome you to the 21 Session of the Northern Nigeria Annual Concurrence holding at the United Methodist Church, Samson Gwaladi Filiya.
We believe in the God of Miracle and doer of new things. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19 NKJV).
I stand before you today with a heart overflowing with gratitude to God for His faithfulness and the body of Christ, for your unwavering commitment, dedication and passion to His mission. I deeply appreciate your trust, support and prayers as I shoulder God’s sacred responsibility as a Bishop. To my colleagues in ministry, clergy, laity, and leaders of this great church, I acknowledge your steadfast dedication, your sacrifices, and your resilience throughout challenging times.
United Methodists in Northern Nigeria Annual have remained steadfast in its resilience despite all odds; this is not merely a product of human strength, but a testament to the sustaining grace of God. As a conference you have continued to worship, serve, and grow in faith. Your ministries have not ceased; your mission has not faltered. Instead, you have been refined by adversity, emerging stronger, more united, and more determined to fulfilling our calling that spreads scriptural holiness and social transformation. The United Methodist Women, Men, Youth and Young Adult, Choir, Gospel Singers, Young female network, Nazari and Sunday school of the Northern Nigeria Annual Conference has been vibrant in all their activities this year, I am grateful to these fellowship groups, and I encourage them to do more as we head to 2026. As we step forward together, I invite you to embrace this new season with faith, courage, and a renewed commitment to our mission. Let us hold fast to the words of the prophet Isaiah 43:19.
- REMEMBERING OUR DECEASE BRETHREN
In our gathering today, we mourn our beloved brethren whom we labor together in the lord’s vineyard, with heavy heart today they are not here with us, we rejoice because they are with the Lord. Their departure is a divine invitation to be with the lord. Few among them are:
- Rev Ewan B Ahmed
- Mr John Lamurde
- Mama Jummai Ezra
- Mama Binta Jauro Manzo
- Theolonians Danjuma Fada Billiri
- Asab Indu
- Lemu Adamu
- Ms Deborah Captain
- Amos Waziri
- Mama Hajiya Goro
- Buba Danladi District
- Late Pastor Daniel Iliya Bushadi
- Lata Mr. Murtala Babare Bambur
- Late Mr. Danladi Dumba
- Late Mr. Dauda Gubi Gharu
- Late Inspector Saul Tela
- Late Mr. Olu A. Pena
- Late Rev. Thomas Audu (retired)
- Late Mr. Nagomna Waziri
- Late Mrs. Rahila Adamu Maina
- Late Mr. Umaru Senge
I invite all of you to stand as we observe a minute silence in honor of our departed brethren. May the souls of the departed continue rest with the Lord.
- OUR MISSION, VISION, PURPOSE AND CORE VALUES
Our Mission
As United Methodists in Nigeria our mission shall be to raise faithful and fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ who are passionate to transform the world through preaching, teaching, and provision of services that carter for the physical and spiritual needs of the Church and the society.
Our Vision
Our vision is to form disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.
Our 2026 Theme
As head to the year 2026 our theme remain “Behold I am doing a new thing…” Isaiah 43:19. I call on every United Methodist congregation to make banners of this theme with our logo and display them on pulpits so that it carries our vision statement.
- THE STATE OF THE CHURCH
Nigeria
The United Methodist Church in Nigeria remains strong, vibrant, and forward-looking. Through God’s grace, the Church continues to experience revival and growth, despite socio-economic and security challenges. Our congregations are witnessing renewed passion for evangelism, church planting, and discipleship. Across the Episcopal Area, new congregations have been established, theological institutions are being strengthened, and lay leadership is being empowered for effective ministry. We have made significant advances in peacebuilding and reconciliation, bringing healing to communities affected by past divisions. The Church’s social outreach programs — particularly in education, agriculture, and humanitarian response — have positioned us as a beacon of hope and transformation. Nigerian United Methodists continue to model resilience and faith, demonstrating that when the Church unites around the mission of Christ, no challenge can stop the advance of the Gospel.
Senegal
In Senegal, the United Methodist Church is steadily expanding its witness in a predominantly non-Christian environment. Through education, medical outreach, and social engagement, the Church has gained growing acceptance among local communities. Our missionaries and pastors serve with deep commitment, often under difficult conditions, but with unwavering faith in the power of the Gospel to transform lives. The Senegal Mission Initiative has seen new believers join the Methodist family, and new mission stations are emerging as centers of light in a region that deeply needs the hope of Christ. Partnerships with the global connection continue to sustain this vital mission.
Cameroon
The Church in Cameroon is emerging as a promising frontier of United Methodist witness in Central Africa. Our congregations in the northern and western regions are demonstrating steady growth. Despite language and cultural barriers, local leaders and pastors are being raised up, and efforts are ongoing to strengthen theological training and leadership development. The Cameroonian Church is particularly noted for its youth vitality and strong emphasis on community-based ministry. Through evangelism, education, and compassion ministries, The United Methodist Church in Cameroon is becoming a strong voice for unity and hope in a nation facing social and political transitions.
West Africa Central Conference
Brethren I am delighted to report to you that the West Africa Central Conference (WACC) has voted to establish a West Africa Central Conference The Book of Discipline which gave the West Africa Central Conference the right to follow the laws of its country and maintain the traditional definition of marriage. The West Africa Central Conference and its member Episcopal Areas and Annual Conferences shall adhere to the National, State and Local laws regarding LGBTQ+. Furthermore, it affirms that West Africa Central Conference and its Annual Conferences to teach its members on the United Methodist Social principles with emphasis that marriage is between a man and a women or two consenting adults meaning marriage shall be between a man and a woman who are of consenting age as this will encourage the implementation of the church laws; prevent child marriage.
Annual Conferences boundaries adjustment and additional Episcopal Area
The Central Conference approved adding a fifth annual conference and two mission districts to the Nigeria Episcopal Area and to study dividing the Nigeria Episcopal Area into two episcopal areas. A study team was identified and is to report to a special session in December of 2026 with the possibility of the election of a second bishop for Nigeria in 2026 special Central Conference session. In order to make this a reality, I want to use this medium to let you know that the in-house committee on boundary demarcation has been put in place; representative from the five (5) Annual Conferences. The committee has done a great job by echoing the voices from the episcopal areas. The committee’s work addressed issues of overlaps across the episcopal area, recommended the demarcation for the second episcopal area and second annual conference known as Southwest Annual Conference while the other remain the Southern Conference. In essence, Northern Nigeria Annual Conference, Central Nigeria Annual Conference and Northeast Nigeria Annual Conference and Senegal are proposed to form a new episcopal area named North-Central episcopal area while Southern Conference, Southwest Conference and Cameroon are proposed to form Southern episcopal area.
Furthermore, I want to remind this conference, as I mentioned in my last address the WACC resolved that the West Africa Central Conference shall direct the conference secretary to delete the present allocation of delegates and add the following to its rules to be in compliance with The Book of Discipline: The delegates to the West Africa Central Conference shall include the West Africa Annual Conferences’ General Conference delegates. If the number of delegates does not exceed a total of 80 delegates for the West Africa Central Conference, the central conference secretary shall apportion to the annual conferences additional central conference delegates to be allocated and elected based on the ratio calculated for the number of General Conference delegates.
Also, the WACC, resolved that the West Africa Central Conference organize and support a Connectional Table to create opportunities for conferences to learn from one another and initiate strategies and programs for evangelism, education/leadership development, health care, and a sustainable mission in West Africa United Methodist in Africa.
Africa College of Bishops Meeting in Luanda
The Africa College of Bishops convened its most recent meeting in Luanda, Angola, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in deep reflection on the current realities within the global connection of The United Methodist Church. The meeting reaffirmed the unity of African United Methodists in mission, faith, and the defense of biblical truth.
A significant part of the deliberations focused on the institution of marriage. The College of Bishops, after prayerful and theological reflection, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the traditional and biblical understanding of marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman — as ordained by God in Scripture. The bishops collectively emphasized that this conviction is rooted not in culture but in the Word of God and the historic teachings of the Christian faith.
The Luanda gathering also called for continued dialogue within the global connection, anchored in respect, truth, and unity in mission. The African bishops reiterated their dedication to maintaining the Wesleyan heritage of holiness, discipleship, and evangelistic zeal while upholding the sanctity of the family as designed by God.
In Nigeria, Senegal, and Cameroon, the United Methodist Church stands as a living testimony of faith, endurance, and mission. The journey ahead may be demanding, but our calling is clear — to preach Christ, serve humanity, and remain faithful to the Gospel that transforms nations.
May the Spirit of God continue to guide the Church in Africa as we move forward together in faith, holiness, and hope.
To God be the glory!
- OUR 2025 ACHIEVEMENTS
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, It is with deep gratitude to God and a profound sense of purpose that I stand before this 21st Session of the Northern Nigeria Annual Conference to render an account of our stewardship and to celebrate the mighty acts of God in our midst.
Unity, Peace, and Reconciliation
One of the greatest miracles we have witnessed in this episcopal area is the restoration of unity, peace, and reconciliation among our United Methodist family in the Southern Conference. Through prayer, dialogue, and the ministry of reconciliation, we have seen hearts mended, relationships restored, and the spirit of division replaced with the spirit of oneness in Christ. Today, we can boldly declare that “the walls of separation have fallen, and the love of Christ binds us together again.” Our people now gather around one Table, one Mission, and one Vision — to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This achievement is a testimony that when God’s people humble themselves and seek His face, healing flows through the Church.
Evangelism and Discipleship
The Church of Christ is alive and expanding! New United Methodist congregations have been planted in diverse parts of our nation: Orida in Cross River State; Elebele and Yenegua in Bayelsa State; Omukurichi, Ehbu Court, All Saints, Mile 1, Obigbo, and Trans Amadi in Port Harcourt, Rivers State; Uyo, Eket, Eket II, and Amasari in Akwa Ibom State; Asaba in Delta State, and many others. These new mission fields are vibrant centers of worship and discipleship, bearing fruit that will last. In support of evangelism, we have provided sets of musical instruments for youth ministries, empowering them to use music as a tool for soul-winning and spiritual renewal. We have also conducted leadership development trainings for women and youth, equipping them for effective ministry across our conferences and districts. Furthermore, the Church extended compassion to communities affected by violent attacks in Karim Lamido Local Government Area, supplying relief materials worth ₦31,800,000 to victims — a demonstration of Christ’s love in action. To strengthen our administrative efficiency and spiritual leadership, 135 conference and episcopal staff benefited from intensive leadership development training in Nigeria, Senegal and Cameroon.
Investment through Agriculture
In our vision to make the Church self-sustaining and to combine evangelism with empowerment, we launched a ₦2.5 billion Investment in Agriculture and Evangelism Project. This initiative is both a mission strategy and an economic revolution within our connection. We have purchased two brand new tractors, seven motorcycles for field evangelism and agricultural supervision, two Toyota Highlander SUVs for senior staff mobility, and a dozen HP computers to enhance administrative productivity. We cultivated 100 hectares of rice and soya bean farms, and established a Rice Processing Company in Jalingo, which now stands as a beacon of sustainable ministry and economic empowerment and have purchase 100 hectares of land for agricultural activities in Kurmi, Takum, Garin Dogo and Behind Junior Seminary. Through this project, we are transforming lives, creating jobs, and demonstrating that the Church can thrive spiritually and economically.
Education and Leadership Development
The Church continues to be a fountain of learning and a cradle for leadership formation. We have provided scholarships for 7 undergraduate students at Africa University in Zimbabwe, 1 master’s student at United Methodist University in Liberia, 2 master’s students at Africa University, and 4 PhD candidates at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN), University of Jos, and Taraba State University. In addition, 164 undergraduate students at Banyam Theological Seminary (BTS) and Kakulu Theological Seminary (KTS) are beneficiaries of our educational support. These investments affirm our conviction that education is the backbone of sustainable leadership in both the Church and society.
Infrastructural Development
We have also made significant progress in building and strengthening the physical structures that house our worship and ministry. The episcopal office provided ₦80,000,000 in support for roofing and completion of church auditoriums in Kokobudan (Namotolekoto District), Didango (Lau LGA District), Koppi (Sukba District), Didango (Karim LGA), Garin Dogo (Eunice Wesley District), and Done (Bawagarki District) and Ebenezer community church four stories building has commenced in Yaounde. Each of these sanctuaries stands today as a testimony that “the zeal of the Lord’s house has consumed us.” Through the commitment of our people and the faithfulness of God, the work of rebuilding the walls continues, echoing the spirit of Nehemiah who said, “The God of heaven will give us success, and we His servants will arise and build.”
Creation of an Additional Episcopal Area in Nigeria
A major milestone in the history of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria is the progress made toward the creation of an additional Episcopal Area. I am pleased to report that the West Africa Central Conference has obtained the approval of the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters to redraw its boundaries and to elect an additional Bishop in Nigeria. To facilitate this important transition, an in-house Committee on Boundaries Demarcation was constituted and has done a remarkable job in drafting the proposed boundary realignments. This report shall be presented to you during this Annual Conference Session for your review and input before it is formally submitted to the West Africa Taskforce Committee for consideration. This development marks a new chapter in our journey of growth and effective episcopal oversight. It reflects the dynamic expansion of our mission and the recognition of Nigeria’s growing importance within the global connection of The United Methodist Church. We give God the glory for opening this new door of opportunity and responsibility.
Dear friends, these accomplishments are not the works of human wisdom or might, but the results of divine grace and collective faithfulness. We have prayed, we have worked, and God has given the increase. Yet, we know that the journey continues. With unity, faith, and courage, the United Methodist Church in Nigeria will keep rising as a light to the nations — a Church rooted in the Gospel and committed to holistic transformation.
Let us therefore move forward together — in faith, in mission, and in love — until the kingdoms of this world become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.
To God be the glory, great things He has done!
- OUR 2026 PLAN
We are changed by the power of the Holy Spirit as we learn to follow Jesus. Our holiness comes from the saving acts of Jesus Christ. We believe that faithful people are called to be fruitful their communities. As faithful and fruitful disciples of Jesus, we have a responsibility to hold one another accountable for our discipleship. There are seven items that I am inviting you to support and pursue in 2026:
Evangelism and Discipleship. This plan involves
- Sending 15 field evangelists to South-South and South East District.
- Starting new 30 new congregations in South-South, Cameroon and Senegal.
- Growing vital congregations that love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously.
- Strengthening our weekly Bible study and fervent prayer meetings.
- Increased our Conefa and Apportionment giving.
- Increasing our worship attendance in every congregation.
- Working with our fellowship group in the Church to help them know better our Church, its mission and vision.
Unity, Peace Building and Conflict Transformation. This plan involved:
- Dismantling tribalism and sectionalism by given everyone in the Church an equal opportunity to exercise their God’s given talent.
- Continued work of healing, unity and reconciliation.
- Welcoming back our brethren the left to the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria and are willing to return back.
- Embarking on interfaith dialogue seminar between Christian and Muslim communities and expanding the work of social justice in our communities.
Education and leadership Development. This plan involves
- Theological training for 25 pastors, 2 for a Ph.D, 8 for masters and 15 for undergraduate degree program in Africa unity, United Methodist University Liberia and United Methodist University Sierra Leone, Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN), Banyam Theological Seminary (BTS), and Kakulu Theological Seminary (KTS) through partnership with GBGM/GBHEM, German Mission Board, Iowa Annual Conference.
- Support our local Scholarship board to raise matching funds locally to support our schools and students.
- Continued training through workshop and seminar.
Income Generation through Agricultural Investment
- We will raise 500 million naira as a profit from our Yambasu Agricultural Initiatives.
- We will raise 150 cattle for fastening.
- Our United Methodist branded process rice will hit market nationwide.
- We will start piggery with 100 pigs,
- We will provide 100-million-naira soft loan under our EmpowerHer program.
- We will cultivate 200 hectares of rice farm.
- We will acquire 100 hectares of land for commercial purposes.
Health Care
- Re-initiating the Heath System Strengthening Project, Maternal and Child Heath (MCH) Project and the Imagine No Malaria project to be run in our health facilities.
- We hire Administrator, medical director, MCH director and Imagine No Malaria coordinator.
- We will dig 20 boreholes through our Clean Water and WASH program.
- We will conduct medical outreach in 7 communities.
Infrastructural development: This plan involves
- Continued construction of the Gwaten Secretariat in Bambur.
- Addition of 50% work on the Ebenezer community United Methodist building in Yaounde.
- Construction of church auditorium in Dakar, Senegal.
- Completion of our church auditorium in Abuja.
- Investing 100 million naira in helping serious churches complete their building projects.
Uplifting our spirituality and scriptural holiness – This plan involves
- Putting in to use the clergy and laity code of conduct developed by the Taskforce Committee on clergy wellbeing.
- Restoring the International Leadership Institute (ILI) training.
- Partnering with Peace House Gboko for effective ministry.
- Establishing a conference prayer network of intercessors for the church in Nigeria.
Eradication of financial embezzlement in the church-This involves
- Filing formal complaint on anyone who was given responsibility that involved church money and they could not account for it.
- Setting up a conference financial investigation and recovery committee to recover any money embezzled.
- Involving our legal department
Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship – This plan involves
- Training of 100 in electrical electronics, Welding, and masonry work under our Technical Training Program.
- Training of 100 women in tailoring, catering, event decoration under our women leadership training Centers (WLTC).
We can do these and more. God wants to do a new thing everywhere in the United Methodist Church in Nigeria and mission districts of Senegal and Cameroon and you are a part of God’s plan. Trusting God and working together, we will continue to experience the renewal and turnaround we have been praying for.
- THE CHALLENGES FACING OUR NATION
Beloved in Christ, while we rejoice in the many blessings and achievements God has granted us as a Church, we cannot overlook the serious challenges confronting our nation — challenges that continue to test our faith, unity, and commitment to the mission of God.
Nigeria today stands at a crossroads. Our beloved nation is facing multiple crises that affect every sector of society. The continued insecurity remains one of the greatest threats to peace and human dignity. Across various regions, including parts of the North-East and North-Central zones, bandits and Fulani herdsmen attacks have led to the loss of innocent lives, the destruction of homes, farmlands, and churches, and the displacement of thousands of people. Communities in Karim Lamido, Lau, and parts of Gombe State have suffered repeated invasions that have left many families grieving and homeless.
Beyond insecurity, we face the economic hardship that continues to weigh heavily on our people. The rising cost of food, fuel, and essential commodities has pushed many families below the poverty line. Our farmers, who once fed the nation, now struggle due to high production costs, lack of access to credit, and constant fear of attacks on their farms.
In Gombe State, while we appreciate the relative peace and the efforts of the state government, our people still experience challenges such as youth unemployment, poor rural infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare and quality education in many local government areas. The dreams of many young people are being threatened by hopelessness, substance abuse, and the lure of crime due to lack of opportunity.
The Church also feels the pressure of these realities. Many of our members who are victims of violence and economic displacement look to the Church for comfort and support. This calls for renewed compassion, unity, and collective response from all believers.
Moreover, our nation faces the challenge of moral and spiritual decline. Corruption, dishonesty, and self-centered leadership continue to hinder progress at all levels. We must therefore call upon our leaders — both in government and in the Church — to return to integrity, justice, and the fear of God.
Call to Action
In the face of these challenges, I call upon all United Methodists and people of goodwill to rise with renewed faith and courage. The Church must remain a voice of hope and a beacon of moral light in these uncertain times. Let us strengthen our ministries of prayer, peacebuilding, and social engagement.
I urge the government at both the national and state levels to prioritize security, justice, and equitable development, ensuring that every Nigerian — regardless of tribe, religion, or region — enjoys safety, dignity, and opportunity.
Let every congregation become a center of community healing, where victims find compassion, children find education, and youth discover purpose. Together, let us rebuild hope in Gombe State and throughout our beloved nation.
Our confidence remains in the Lord who says, “I will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). With God on our side, Nigeria shall rise again, and peace shall return to our communities.
- APPRECIATION AND CONCLUSION
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, as we come to the close of this Episcopal Address, my heart overflows with gratitude.
First and foremost, I give thanks and glory to Almighty God, the Shepherd of the Church and the Sustainer of our faith, whose grace has carried us through seasons of trials, transformation, and triumph. Without God’s abiding presence, we would not have come this far as a people called United Methodists. To God alone be the glory!
I extend my profound appreciation to my beloved wife — my companion in ministry, whose prayers, love, and unwavering support continue to strengthen me in this sacred calling. Her partnership in the mission of the Church has been a source of inspiration and encouragement.
To Rev. Absalom Jeremiah, the Cabinet Members of the Northern Nigeria Annual Conference, and all our conference officers, I express my sincere gratitude for your steadfastness, wisdom, and unity of purpose. You have stood strong and united in guiding the Church through both calm and stormy seasons. Your faithfulness to God’s mission remains a light to the flock we serve.
To all our pastors, conference leaders, and ministry groups — I salute your dedication and faithfulness. To the United Women in Faith, the United Methodist Men, the Youth and Young Adult Ministry, the Young Female Network, and Nazarin Littafi, your collective witness and service have kept the flame of Methodism burning bright across our districts and local churches.
To the Choir, Kungiyan Haske, Sunday School, Boys’ Brigade, and Gospel Singers, I thank you deeply for your vibrant ministries of music, discipleship, and evangelism. Your gifts have inspired worship, strengthened faith, and drawn souls closer to Christ. Truly, you embody the living spirit of the United Methodist Church in Northern Nigeria.
I also wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to our global partners — the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM), United Methodist Communications (UMCom), the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD), the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA), UMCOR, and the Council of Bishops for their unwavering partnership and support.
Special appreciation goes to Bishop Samuel Quire, Bishop James Boye-Caulker, and Bishop John Schol, whose leadership, encouragement, and solidarity strengthened us in our most challenging days. Your love and commitment remind us that the Church of Jesus Christ is truly one body, connected in mission and grace.
As we conclude this 21st Session of the Northern Nigeria Annual Conference, let us go forth renewed in vision and strengthened in unity. Let us continue to be a Church that proclaims the gospel boldly, serves the poor compassionately, and walks humbly with God.
May the peace of Christ reign in our hearts, the power of the Holy Spirit guides our work, and the love of God bind us together as one people, united in mission and hope.
To God be the glory, great things He has done — and greater things He will yet do through The United Methodist Church in Nigeria.
Amen.
God bless the United Methodist Church.
God bless Northern Nigeria Annual Conference
God bless Nigeria.
God bless this great vision.
