The Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) of the Diocese of Akure has paid glowing tribute to the Bishop of Akure and Archbishop of the Ondo Ecclesiastical Province of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev. Simeon Oluwole Borokini, as he retires from active ministry after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.
In a statement issued by the Diocesan Youth President, Mr Festus Olalekan Oni, the fellowship described the cleric’s retirement as the close of an outstanding era of leadership marked by significant contributions to the growth of the Church, youth development, evangelism, administration and infrastructural expansion.
The youths recalled that Archbishop Borokini made history as the first indigene of Akure to become a Bishop and later an Archbishop in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). They noted that he rose through the ecclesiastical ranks from Deacon to Priest, Canon, Archdeacon, Provost, Bishop and Archbishop, retiring as the third most senior Archbishop in the Church of Nigeria, after the Primate and the Dean.
The statement highlighted his commitment to human capacity development, particularly his support for priests pursuing postgraduate studies within and outside Nigeria, improved welfare for clergy, establishment of the Hadassah Safe House, creation of the Women and Youth Empowerment Initiatives (WAYE), promotion of women’s empowerment, inclusion of youths in the Diocesan Synod and introduction of the Clergy Week celebration and Clergy Welfare Development Scheme.
It also commended Archbishop Borokini’s achievements in infrastructure, including the construction and completion of several diocesan projects such as the Greater Chapter Building and Crèche at the Cathedral Church of St. David, the Diocesan Medical Centre, the Bishop’s office complex, the Clergy Village, the diocesan guest house, expansion of the diocesan headquarters, acquisition of additional landed property and official vehicles, installation of internet, CCTV and solar power facilities, and the ongoing construction of the Corpers’ Lodge.
According to the fellowship, the Archbishop equally strengthened evangelism and spiritual growth through the establishment of Deaf congregations, introduction of the Annual Diocesan Night of Divine Visitation, recognition of the Hope Convention as a diocesan programme, establishment of the Directorate of Evangelism, expansion of church planting efforts, introduction of the Covenant Seed initiative and the Frontier Ministry, as well as hosting several national and provincial programmes of the Church of Nigeria.
The youths further praised his administrative reforms, which included the introduction of the Diocese’s mission and vision statements, drafting of a new diocesan constitution, creation of additional archdeaconries, support for the establishment of the Idanre Missionary Diocese, prompt payment of clergy stipends, enrolment of clergy in the Supra West Insurance Scheme, establishment of the Gender-Based Violence Office, procurement of office equipment and improved pension arrangements for retired priests.
They also acknowledged his role in the Diocese’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the production and donation of thousands of face masks, encouragement of relief distribution to members and provision of free medical services for clergy and their families.
The fellowship described Archbishop Borokini as a passionate mentor of young people, noting that he hosted the National Anglican Youth Fellowship Conference, the AYF National Sisters’ Retreat and the AYF National Executive Council meeting, while consistently sponsoring youths to leadership programmes, conferences and training both within Nigeria and abroad. It also credited him with increasing the annual youth budget and ensuring the timely release of funds for youth programmes.
Congratulating the Archbishop on his retirement, the Anglican youths prayed that God would grant him good health, peace and many more fruitful years in retirement.
“We wish him many happy years in retirement, a well-deserved rest and God’s continued blessings,” the statement added.