* Ogunedo, Ihedioha, others assure staff of job safety, warn against indiscipline

From Aike Mark Njoku, Owerri

History was made on Wednessday, 21st October, 2026 as the Diocese of Mbaise (Anglican Communion) officially took over the management of three prime educational and health facilities in Imo State having acquired them from the owners.

The instititions are, Vision College of Medical Sciences and Health Technology, Chokoneze, Ezinihitte Mbaise; John Ogu Memorial Hospital, and Kings College, Chokoneze, following the successful completion of their acquisition procesd by the Diocese.

The historic handing-over and taking-over ceremony marked a significant milestone in the Diocese’s commitment to educational advancement, healthcare delivery, and institutional development.

The ceremony brought together the Diocesan leadership, prominent personalities, institutional management and staff, and other stakeholders to witness the commencement of a new chapter in the history of the three institutions.

*ARRIVAL OF THE DIOCESAN AND OPENING CEREMONY*

The proceedings commenced with the arrival of the Diocesan, *His Lordship, The Rt. Rev. Chamberlain Chinedum Ogunedo*, Bishop of Mbaise, accompanied by a delegation comprising the Chancellor of the Diocese, *Sir Barr. Ernest Nwagwu*; the Diocesan Registrar, *Mr. Kester Enwereonu Esq; the Clerical Synod Secretary, *Rev. Canon Ugo Romanus Carey-Nwogu*; the Chairman of the DIOMAC Education Board, *Sir Ernest Enwereuzor*; the President of the Diocese of Mbaise Council of Knights, *Sir Dr. Chidi Madugba*; *Mrs. Ngozi Ihedioha*, a member of the inventory team; and the Bishop’s Chaplains, *Ven. Ozioma Nwaogazi* and *Rev. Ugo Ikpefu*.

The Diocesan delegation was received by *Mr. Anowuru*, the acquisition project consultant, and the Provost of the Vision Institute, *Dr. Mrs. Toyin Onwuka*, who led the delegation into the institution for the formal proceedings.

In his opening remarks, the consultant explained the purpose of the gathering, introduced the Bishop and members of his delegation, and invited the Provost to introduce the management and staff of the institution.

As the ceremony progressed, the gathering was joined by *His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, KSC, CON*, former Governor of Imo State; * Sir FAN Ndubuoke*, Chairman of DIOMAC Media Company; and *Surveyor Joe Anosike*, President of Ezurezu Mbaise.

*REGISTRAR EXPLAINS THE VISION BEHIND THE ACQUISITION*

In his address, the Diocesan Registrar, *Kester Enwereonu Esq*, provided an overview of the acquisition process, explaining the vision and objectives behind the Diocese’s decision to acquire the institutions.

He also addressed concerns reportedly circulating among members of staff regarding possible job losses, reassuring them that the acquisition was not intended to trigger indiscriminate staff dismissals but to strengthen the institutions and improve their overall performance.

His address sought to clarify the Diocese’s intentions and encourage the staff to approach the transition with confidence, cooperation, and renewed commitment to their responsibilities.

*BISHOP OGUNEDO ASSURES STAFF OF IMPROVED INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT*

In his official remarks, Bishop Ogunedo expressed gratitude to everyone present and acknowledged all those who contributed to the successful acquisition of the institutions.

He encouraged the management and staff to remain faithful, loyal, diligent, and committed to their respective responsibilities, emphasising that the Diocese’s primary objective was to improve the institutions, enhance productivity, and build on their existing achievements.

The Bishop further reassured the staff that the Diocese was not taking over the institutions to embark on indiscriminate layoffs but to make them better, stronger, and more productive.

He urged every member of staff to put aside fears about losing their jobs and concentrate on discharging their duties sincerely, diligently, and with the fear of God. He stressed that commitment, integrity, and excellence in service would remain important considerations under the new ownership.

The Bishop’s remarks conveyed the Diocese’s determination to build on the existing foundations of the institutions while promoting a culture of accountability, professionalism, and improved service delivery.

*IHEODIOHA COMMENDS BISHOP’S VISIONARY LEADERSHIP*

In his brief remarks, *His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, KSC, CON*, commended the Bishop for his visionary leadership and pastoral stewardship of the Diocese of Mbaise.

He praised the Bishop’s tenacity in introducing new initiatives and innovations while sustaining the responsibilities entrusted to his care.

Ihedioha’s remarks highlighted the importance of visionary leadership in promoting institutional growth, embracing innovation, and strengthening the capacity of the Diocese to fulfil its mission.

*DIOMAC EDUCATION BOARD CHAIRMAN AND COUNCIL OF KNIGHTS PRESIDENT SPEAK*

The Chairman of the DIOMAC Education Board and President of the Diocese of Mbaise Council of Knights, Sir Dr. Chidi Madugba, also commended the Bishop’s leadership and vision.

He encouraged the management and staff of the institutions to remain hardworking, committed, and dedicated to their duties. He observed that the Diocesan leadership appreciates and rewards excellence in service but would not hesitate to address conduct or attitudes that obstruct institutional progress.

His remarks reinforced the expectation that the change in ownership should usher in a new era of discipline, accountability, improved performance, and sustainable development across the three institutions.

*MANAGEMENT AND STAFF PLEDGE LOYALTY AND COMMITMENT*

In their respective responses, the Provost of the Vision College of Medical Sciences and Health Technology, Dr. Mrs. Toyin Onwuka; the institution’s Registrar; a representative of the hospital management; and the Principal of Kings College, Chokoneze, expressed appreciation to the Bishop and the Diocese for the successful acquisition.

They welcomed the Diocese’s intervention and expressed optimism that the institutions, their management, and staff were now in capable hands.

The representatives assured the Diocese of their commitment to working collaboratively with the new ownership to improve institutional standards, strengthen operations, and promote the welfare of staff and students.

They pledged their loyalty and dedication to the Diocese, expressing confidence that the acquisition would open a new chapter of growth, stability, and improved service delivery.

Their responses reflected a shared hope that the Diocese’s involvement would provide fresh opportunities for institutional advancement and create an enabling environment for the institutions to fulfil their respective educational and healthcare mandates.

*CHANCELLOR WARNS AGAINST MEDIOCRITY AND INDISCIPLINE*

Delivering the closing remarks, the Chancellor of the Diocese, Sir Barr. Ernest Nwagwu, thanked the management and staff for their confidence in the Diocese and their pledge to work diligently under the new ownership.

He, however, urged them to live up to their promises and demonstrate through their performance that they deserved the confidence reposed in them.

The Chancellor emphasised that while the Diocesan leadership was committed to recognising and rewarding excellence in service, it would not condone mediocrity, indiscipline, or laxity in the discharge of assigned responsibilities.

His charge underscored the importance of professionalism, accountability, and a strong work ethic as the institutions begin a new phase under the ownership of the Diocese.

*BISHOP INSPECTS INSTITUTIONAL FACILITIES*

Following the formal take -over ceremony and a group photograph, Bishop Ogunedo and members of his entourage embarked on an inspection tour of the facilities at the Vision College of Medical Sciences and Health Technology, the John Ogu Memorial Hospital, and Kings College, Chokoneze.

The tour provided the Bishop and his entourage with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the facilities, operations, and general conditions of the institutions now under the ownership of the Diocese.

The inspection further demonstrated the Diocese’s commitment to understanding the existing state of the institutions as a foundation for future planning, improved administration, and sustainable development.

The exercise also provided an opportunity to observe the institutions’ operational environments and identify areas requiring attention as the Diocese begins its stewardship.

*A NEW CHAPTER IN THE DIOCESE’S DEVELOPMENT AGENDA*

The successful taking-over ceremony represents a significant development in the Diocese of Mbaise Anglican Communion’s commitment to educational advancement, healthcare delivery, and community development.

With the Vision College of Medical Sciences and Health Technology, the John Ogu Memorial Hospital, and Kings College, Chokoneze, now under the ownership of the Diocese, expectations are high that the institutions will benefit from stronger leadership, improved administration, greater accountability, and a renewed commitment to excellence.

The assurances given by the Bishop, the commendations from distinguished guests, and the pledges of cooperation by the management and staff collectively point towards a transition intended to strengthen the institutions and improve their capacity to serve their respective communities.

As the Diocese begins this new phase of stewardship, the challenge will be to translate the vision behind the acquisition into measurable improvements in educational standards, healthcare services, staff welfare, institutional governance, and overall productivity.

The historic event therefore represents not merely a change of ownership but the beginning of a new chapter of responsibility, opportunity, and institutional renewal for the Diocese of Mbaise Anglican Communion.
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