By: Ijeoma Sandra, Nnewi.

February 8, 2026, will remain indelible in the hearts of the Ifeduba family as the day Venerable Chinedum Nnamdi Ifeduba, PhD, was collated and installed as an Archdeacon in the Diocese of Nnewi, Anglican Communion.

The collation and installation ceremony, presided over by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, the Rt. Revd. Ndubisi Obi took place at the Cathedral Church of St. Mary, Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The event witnessed the collation and installation of eleven Archdeacons and twelve Canons, in the presence of a distinguished gathering that included members of the College of Archbishops and Bishops, clergy, and dignitaries from across the country, among them the Archbishop, Most Revd. Prof. Godwin Okpata.

In his sermon titled “We Are Servants of Christ,” Ven. Dr. Christian Obiukwu charged Christians to remain committed to winning souls for Christ while contributing meaningfully to the good of society.

Following the completion of the rites, the Cathedral grounds erupted in celebration as priests, families, friends, and well-wishers converged at various stands to rejoice with the newly installed clerics.

The atmosphere reflected years of sacrifice, perseverance, and faithful service, some marked by rapid advancement, others by steady progression.

For Archdeacon Ifeduba, hundreds of friends, colleagues, and relations trooped to his stand to felicitate with him, exchanging warm embraces and gifts in appreciation of what many described as a remarkable ministerial journey.

Reflecting on his rise from Church Teacher to Archdeacon in just sixteen years, Ven. Ifeduba attributed his advancement to divine grace and unwavering commitment to duty.

“The Lord called me, and I answered, and here I am. Calling comes in different ways. The way I was called may not be the way another person is called; it varies,” he said.

He recounted that from childhood he sensed a divine call to serve God.

“From infancy, the Lord spoke to me. Whenever I prayed, I heard Him telling me that I would work for Him. This continued until I reached the age of consent, and I had no option but to answer the call.”

Encounter with Christ

Archdeacon Ifeduba recalled a defining spiritual encounter in 1994 during the Evangelical Fellowship of the Anglican Communion (EFAC) Diocesan Convention held at Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area.

“I had a one-on-one encounter with the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I gave my life to Him, and from that moment, a new journey began.”

Journey into Ministry

After his university education at the University of Calabar, where he studied Linguistics and Communication Studies, he completed his compulsory National Youth Service in 2009. Later that year, he was interviewed and employed by the Diocese of Nnewi.

He began his ministry in January 2010 at Ebenezer Anglican Church, Umudim, Nnewi, as a Church Worker, officially designated as a Church Teacher.

He served there until 2012, after which he was posted briefly to Emmanuel Anglican Church, Akamili, Umudim.

Six months later, he was redeployed to the Diocesan Printing Press, where he served first as a supervisor and later as General Manager between 2012 and 2016.

During this period, the Diocese enrolled him in a sandwich seminary programme, enabling him to combine theological training with administrative responsibilities.

In 2016, he was posted to Christ Church, Akwa, Eziora Ozubulu, where he completed his seminary training and was ordained.

In 2017, he was ordained a Deacon by the then Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, now Archbishop, Most Revd. Prof. Godwin Okpata (JP, OON), at the Basilica of St. Peter, Okija. He completed his diaconate training and was ordained a Priest in December 2018.

Currently, Archdeacon Ifeduba serves at the Chapel of Resurrection, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Okofia, Otolo Nnewi Campus.

Rapid Rise

His progression has been notably swift: Deacon in 2017, Priest in 2018, Canon in 2024, Venerable in 2025, and Archdeacon in 2026.

Explaining the pace of his advancement, Archdeacon Ifeduba identified grace and diligence as the driving forces.

“First is grace. No one can do this work by their own strength. God has been immensely helpful. Second is hard work, commitment, dedication, diligence, and consistency. I have devoted my life entirely to ministry and impacting lives.”

He added that his work has been result-oriented and service-driven.

“We are serving God and humanity diligently. Without mincing words, grace, hard work, dedication, diligence, and consistency are responsible for this rapid growth. To God be the glory.”