***As Igede Archdiocese Hosts Methodist Men’s Fellowship NECO meeting

The Federal and Benue State Governments have been called upon ‘to take the bull by the horns’ and provide infrastructural facilities including access roads to Igede land for the actualization of Benue state as the food basket of the nation.

The appeal was made by the Methodist Archbishop of Igede, Most Revd Dr Michael I. T. Simeon JP, LMP while declaring open the National Executive Committee (NECO) meeting of Methodist Men’s Fellowship held at Bishop Okwoche Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Anyuwogbu Ibilla last weekend.

According to him, “Though Igede land is blessed with arable land, good for bumper agricultural products, but we are completely neglected by the government at all levels. No access to good roads, lack of basic infrastructure and underdevelopment can be seen all over. We’re praying to God for quick intervention.”

Archbishop Simeon noted that if Igede land is provided with good and motorable access roads, these would facilitate the movement of their farm produce to other parts of Benue state and Nigeria as a whole.

He challenged men that the current situation in Nigeria demand from them to be zealous for God and be committed in prayer for a way out.

He said, “As Christian men, we must rose to our divine responsibility. We must become men of prayer in a prayer less generation, men of integrity in a corrupt system, and Men of courage in a fearful society.

“We must lead our families with godliness, influence our communities with righteousness, and stand boldly for truth in every are where God has placed us.”

Archbishop Simeon stated that “Methodist Men’s Fellowship must not be passive in a time like this. We must be visible. We must be vocal. We must be impactful. We must become a spiritual force that upholds justice, promotes peace and restore godly values in our land.”

The Igede people in Benue State occupy Oju and Obi local government areas of Benue State. Nigeria.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Archdiocesan President of Men’s Fellowship in Igede Archdiocese, Elder Chief Emmanuel Adikpe OOW appreciated God for granting all the delegates journey mercies to Igede land and thank God for seeing the Archdiocese through the successful hosting having been intimated of the hosting since 2023.

In his keynote lecture on “The Role of Men in Church Ministry” the presenter, Evangelist Sunday Ogbubu Eriba MSTAN, OOW, the Archdiocesan Lay President Emeritus identified the roles of men in church ministry to include Spiritual leadership/Eldership, Mentoring and Discipleship, Community outreach and service as well as Family stewardship among others.

The NECO meeting chaired by the National President, Sir Dr Kehinde Olasunkanmi Oladeji KJW, agreed on several resolutions which included:

• Approved Uyo Archdiocese as the host of 2027 National Conference and the Archdiocese welcome the Methodist Men’s Fellowship National Conference to Uyo through her New Secretary.
• NECO in session viewed the 2026 Conference theme, ” l will Fight For you” Exodus 14:14 as apt and resolved to stand still and see God in action in Year 2026.
  *The meeting directed that all activities of Men’s Fellowship for year 2026 be adhered strictly. 2026 Mens work week must be celebrated in a grand style and new innovations to raise funds for the fellowship engagements.

At the sideline, National Executive Committee paid courtesy call to the First Class Chief of Igede, HRH CP Ogah Ero, Adirahu Ny’ lgede.

While welcoming the team, the traditional ruler acknowledged the presence of Methodist people in Igede land and sought the prayer of the Church for continued peace, progress and development of the land.

Highlights of the NECO meeting was the hosting of Igede Night during which the National President, Sir Oladeji and the Archbishop, Most Revd M.I.T. Simeon JP were invested as the Grand Patrons of Men’s Fellowship in Igede Archdiocese alongside the National Coordinator, Very Revd James Adikwu and National Secretary, Elder Uche Achugbuo TFG.