The History of Our Church

The Planting of New Jerusalem Anglican Church, Akabor – Umuenem, Otolo-Nnewi

The New Jerusalem Anglican Church, Akabor, Umuenem, Otolo-Nnewi, was founded on December 13, 2013, by St. Andrew’s DCC, Nnewi, under the leadership of Venerable Dr. Ikechukwu Okafor. This marked the first church plant by St. Andrew’s DCC. The new church was initially overseen by Mr. Ikechukwu Kingsley Chibueze, then Coordinator of St. Andrew’s DCC’s Friday Deliverance Hour of Liberation. He faithfully served the church until his confirmation as a Church Teacher in December 2015.

During his tenure, significant progress was made in the development of the church infrastructure. St. Andrew’s DCC purchased the land for the church, constructed an access road from the PG’s residence to the church compound, and established a temporary worship center. Over time, block work was added to the structure to complete the church building’s walls. Subsequently, a plot of land was acquired for a proposed two-story parsonage, and construction commenced.

On April 7, 2019, during the church’s 6th Anniversary, a combined ceremony was held for the laying of the foundation stone, dedication of the completed church building, and the foundation laying of the parsonage (which had reached its first decking level). These were officiated by the Most Rev. Dr. Godwin Izunna Nmezinwa Okpala (JP, OON), Bishop of Nnewi Diocese and Archbishop of the Province of the Niger.

It is noteworthy that the church secured a loan from the Diocese to acquire the parsonage land, as well as two additional plots located behind the church auditorium. Impressed by the prudent utilization of the funds, the Archbishop commended the Church Teacher and declared the loan forgiven. He also announced that the Church Teacher would be sent to theological school later that year.

In September 2019, the Church Teacher proceeded to theological school, and the Rev. Ugochukwu Ilione was posted as the first resident priest and second church worker. He carried out his priestly duties diligently and initiated further construction on the parsonage. However, work stalled for some years due to financial constraints and structural challenges.

At the 2020 Diocesan Board meeting, New Jerusalem Anglican Church, Otolo, was officially separated from St. Andrew’s DCC Archdeaconry and placed under the newly established Otolo East Archdeaconry, with headquarters at St. Christopher’s Church, Ndiakwu, Otolo-Nnewi. The church was also placed under the pastoral oversight of All Saints’ Church, Otolo Parish.

In January 2025, Rev. Ugochukwu Ilione was transferred, and Rev. Canon Ikenna Udoye was appointed as the third church worker, second priest, and resident Canon. His arrival brought renewed momentum to the church. He introduced impactful revival and discipleship programs and organized the congregation into three zones for more effective ministry:

Epiphany Zone – Akabor residents
Ascension Zone – Eziogwugwu, and neighboring communities including Nnobi and Awka-Etiti
Pentecost Zone – Umuanuka and surrounding areas extending to the “uttermost part of the earth”
Under his leadership, key liturgical elements in the church auditorium—including the pulpit, reading desk, lectern, and baptismal font—were repositioned to their proper locations. Additionally, work resumed on the parsonage under a newly constituted building committee led by Mr. Bright Okereke and supervised by Engr. Chidi Anuligo, a community indigene. The goal is to complete the parsonage within a reasonable timeframe.

Preparations are currently underway for the 13th Anniversary celebration and the “Nehemiah of the Church” Award ceremony, scheduled for December 7, 2025.