By Chuks Onuoha…………….Umuahia.
The commemoration of the 65th year anniversary of the Methodist Theological Institute, Mission Hill Umuahia , Abia state commenced yesterdays, October 12, 2020, with the key note address delivered by the Rt Reverend Michael Olusegun Akiwale, the secretary of conference of Methodist Church of Nigeria.
The event took place at the chapel of the Institute, located inside MTI compound, along Osah Road, Mission Hill .
The order of service of the ceremony witnessed the 65th year anniversary opening day ceremony / tree planting, carried out by the leadership of the institute to mark the first day of the anniversary.
Speaking while addressing the attendees, Akinwale said that the theme of the address, “Methodist Theological Institute Umuahia at 65 years; The Way Forward”, is an all-encompassing one that appears to be a clarion call for everyone to examine the past 65 years of the school’s existence, and go further to evaluate its present status, achievements and challenges.
Akinwale also said that the school is expected to go further to assume prophetic office to ‘foretell’ and ‘forthtell’ the future for the MTI Umuahia in looking at the way forward.
He stated that the terms of reference of the ceremony is a tall order and any firm of management consultant invited to take up the assignment will tremble before taking up such a brief , if they do not decline from taking it.
He explained that the aims of the institute include training of Ministers to become academically and spiritually quipped to reach both the elite and uneducated of the complex society, as well as train Deaconesses who can interpret, preach and teach the word of God.
He explained further that the Institute is required to produce manpower that will face the 21st century repositioning needs of Methodist Church Nigeria in order in order to meet the increasing demands of the society in the church among others.
The week long event will end on Sunday, October 18th 2021. END
