It was a mixed feeling on Friday 14th December 2018 at the Cathedral Church of Ascension as the Pioneer Bishop of Diocese of Ika, Church of Nigeria-Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd Dr. Peter Imhonah Onekpe took a bow out of service as Bishop of the Diocese.
A valedictory service/retirement send off organised in honour of the Bishop emeritus was well attended by people from all works of life who left their busy schedules to honour the clergy, including the Governor of Delta State, his wife, and the Obi of Owa .
Presenting a book of 237 pages titled ‘A Compendium of Bishop Onekpe in the Anglican Diocese of Ika authored by Ven. Olumu and 5 others at the service in honour of the Bishop. The Cathedral Church of Ascension was previously dedicated for use by the Archbishop of Bendel Province, Most Revd. Friday Imekhai.
The book consisting of 8 chapters captured the profile of Rt. Revd. Onekpe, his sojourn in Ika Diocese, his achievements, his significant days and others areas of interest.
Rt. Revd Onekpe was described as an enigma who employed the philosophy of no victor no vanquished in managing crisis. Some of his achievements listed in the book, includes, infrastructural development, building of churches in the Diocese, numerical and spiritual growth, economic empowerment by charity ministry, provision of health care facility and many more.
In the same vein, the Deanery/the Cathedral Church of Ascension were dedicated by the Archbishop of Bendel Province, Most Revd. Friday Imaekhai The beautiful edifice which was solely built by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was rated as one of the most conducive place of worship in Ika land.