The Very Reverend Sunday Nkem Ofoelue on Sunday 7 November went through the formal induction, recognition, and decoration as a Presbyter in the Methodist Church Nigeria.
During the ceremony, the church stated the Declaration of Purpose thus:
“We meet together as the people of God in this congregation and as representatives of the D/Line Diocese of the Archdiocese Port Harcourt to induct the servant of God, The Very Rev Nkem Ofoelue and to receive him as Presbyter in the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of D/Line”.
The Right Rev Friday G Jephthah, who is the Bishop of the Diocese of D. Line, Port Harcourt Rivers State, while performing the decoration and induction ceremony, said:
“Our dear brother, The Very Rev Nkem Ofoelue we are gathered here in the name of God to commission you for Service. As a Minister of God in the Church of Christ, you are a shepherd of the flock, which our Lord and Saviour – Jesus Christ, redeemed with His precious blood. You are aware how sacred and honourable your calling is. Therefore, we would like you to re-affirm the commitment you already made when you were being set apart for the faith and allegiance, which you made, that it is your wish, with the help of God, to remain steadfast in the work being entrusted into your hands”.
The event took place at Methodist Church Nigeria, Rukpokwu, 5 Pipleine, off Mgbuchi Field, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria.
It was followed by a church swrvcue, which saw friends, family and loved ones who had gathered to witness the blessed ceremony worship together.
A warm reception cermeobey capped the whole event, where all rhta gattered gave thanks to God for the success of the programme.
The Very Rev Sir Nkem Sunday Ofoelue KCW was born on 15th May 1966 in Benin City.
He began his primary education at Methodist Primary School Umuogbi, Nkerefi, Enugu State in 1973, but completed it at Savory’s Memorial Primary School, Oji River, in the old Anambra State in 1978. He went to Neke Boys High School, Udi, from 1978 to 1983 where he obtained in WASC. Thereafter he relocated to Port Harcourt to join his elder brother and became a trader in provisions.
In 1986, he applied and got employed in Odadiki Eye Hospital as a Trainee Ophthalmic Technologist and within the first two weeks with the organisation bagged the Most Enthusiastic and Diligent Trainee Award of Excellence. Within the first three months he so distinguished himself that he was given full employment while still a Trainee.
He obtained the Certificate in Ophthalmic Technology in 1994 and worked with Wellington’s Medical Centre from 1996-2005 as well as Total Vision Clinics and Consultants. While in Odadiki Eye Hospital, he participated actively in running Community Eye Camps/Outreaches in Ahoada, Enugu, Owerri and Port Harcourt administering completely free eye care to patients. In fact he was the organiser of the Port Harcourt Eye Camp. He eventually rose to become the Ophthalmic Manager in 1990-1996.
He proceeded to the Rivers State University of Science and Technology in 1992 combining work and study and obtained B.Tech. Degree in Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering in 1998 after a series of ASUU strikes that caused unnecessary delay.
The Very Rev Nkem Ofoelue became an Accredited Lay Preacher of the Methodist Church in 2002 and candidated into the Ministry in in 2005 when he was admitted into Methodist Theological Institute, Umuahia. He was commissioned in 2007 and ordained in 2010. He is an alumni of Cliff College International Study Centre, Umuahia and has International Diploma in Ministry and Applied Mission (IDIAMM).
He has attended several Peace House Revival Mission Leadership Programmes and Trainings including the Ministers Leadership Refresher Training (MILERT).
He is the developer and presenter of the radio programme, Golden Hymns since 2004 on 5+Treasues FM, 98.5 Port Harcourt.
He is also the author of the Book, “Echoes of Paradise – A Treasury of Golden Hymns”.
Churches Pastored
He was the pioneer minister of Methodist Church Nigeria, Rumuigbo (2005-2009) where he laid a solid spiritual foundation upon which that Church is growing today.
From there he was posted to the Methodist Church, Rumuomasi where he started and completed the Manse and Sunday School Hall between 2009 and 2012. He also completed the first building plan that for the Church that was eventually modified to obtain the present structure.
He also pastored the Methodist Church, Redeemed Chapel, Rumukalagbor from 2012-2017 and Methodist Church Egwi Etche (2017-2020).
Awards
He has received several awards both in the Church and other organistions including:
Knight of Charles Wesley (KCW) in acknowledgement of his works and contributions to the development of Church music and the spread of the gospel through his popular, life-transforming radio programme, Golden Hymns.
He is also a member and Fellow of Institute of Super Leadership Professionalism.
Projects & Achievements
Helped plant the Rumuigbo Church and pastored it to become the fastest growing Preaching Station in the old Port Harcourt Diocese.
Produced the Masterplan for the Rumuigbo Church and laid the foundation that helped it become financially viable and buy a bus as a Preaching Station. It has also planted two other Churches within ten years of formation.
Built and completed the Manse and Sunday School Hall at Rumuomasi.
Cleared all outstanding debts of the Church and became the first Church in Woji Circuit to pay assessment monthly.
Raised and handed over more than N2M for Church Building Project at Rumuomasi
Restored peace between members at Rumuomasi.
Purchase of 3 plots of Land for Eliozu Church.
Continuation of Church Building Project at Eliozu.
Sand-filling and Interlocking of Rumukalagbor Church Premises
Marble altar and Altar railing at Rumukalagbor Local Church.
Tiling of the Church at Egwi Etche
Purchase of 2.9KVA Generator at Egwi Etche.
Construction of Temporary Manse at Egwi Etche.
Wiring of the Church at Egwi Etche
Raised over N300k for Medical Outreach at Egwi Etche.
Completion of Building Plan at Rukpokwu to begin Manse Building.
Publications
Echoes of Paradise – A Treasury of Golden Hymns, Golden Hymns and Classics Publishers (2014)
Design of Water Treatment Plant, Unpublished. 1998. RSUST.
Echoes of Paradise (Audio) featuring Hymns of the Church
Skills
Computer and ICT skills
Ophthalmic Technology skills
Communication and Radio Broadcast
Other Achievements
Founder and Director Golden Gate Orchestral Choir, Port Harcourt
Founder and Director, Centre for Church Music, Port Harcourt (Church Music School)
CEO, Paragonie Stores.
Awards
Knight of Charles Wesley (KCW) 2016.
Associate Member Institute of Super Leadership Professionalism (AISLP) 2009.
Fellow Institute of Super Leadership Professionalism (FISLP) 2010.