The Rt. Revd. Dr. Johnson Akinwamide Atere, the Pioneer Bishop of the Awori Diocese of the Anglican Communion, has announced his retirement from active episcopal service, scheduled for February 15 2026.
The revered cleric made this known during a press conference held at the Government Reserved Area (GRA), Ota, Ogun State, where he reflected on his years of service, personal milestones, and the future of the church within the diocese.
Speaking with journalists, Bishop Atere disclosed that he holds the distinction of being the first Anglican bishop to obtain a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in Old Testament Studies, describing the achievement as a testament to the importance of sound theological education and continuous learning among clergy.
“I believe it is good for the public and the church to know that I was the first person to earn a PhD in Old Testament Studies within the Anglican episcopacy,” he said, adding that academic excellence strengthens the quality of leadership and biblical interpretation in the church.
As the pioneer Bishop of the Awori Diocese, Rt. Revd. Akinwamide Atere highlighted the significant progress recorded since the creation of the Diocese, noting improvements in clergy training, parish development, and administrative structures. However, he stressed that more work remains to be done, particularly in the area of church expansion.
He specifically pointed to Ilogbo axis of the diocese, stating that the area has the capacity to accommodate at least five Anglican churches due to its growing population and spiritual needs.
“Ilogbo and Owode is expanding rapidly. The Anglican Church must be proactive, that area alone can conveniently sustain five Anglican churches if we are deliberate and committed,” he said.
The bishop called on church leaders, stakeholders, and the incoming leadership to prioritize evangelism, church planting, and infrastructural development, emphasizing that the growth of the church must match the growth of communities within the diocese.
When asked who he want to be his successor, Bishop Atere said he want all his priests to succeed him as the next Bishop.
"The Church authority has passed a law that the new Bishop of any Diocese will be elected after three months of the retirement of the predecessor but I have plead with my colleagues that I will be glad if they can give me a good successor that will do more than what I have done. Thank God, I Will be leaving among the Awori Diocese, so I will continue to offer advise to whoever that take over, though, that's if he want the advise but I will be grateful to have a good successor because I have not succeed if I don't have a good successor, he said"
Rt. Revd. Dr. Akinwamide Atere also used the opportunity to express gratitude to God, the clergy, and members of the diocese for their support throughout his tenure, assuring them that even in retirement, he would continue to contribute to the work of God through mentorship, teaching, and advisory roles.
His retirement in February 2026 is expected to mark the end of a remarkable chapter in the Awori Diocese, defined by pioneering leadership, academic excellence, and a strong vision for sustainable church growth.
According to the CHAIRMAN of the Bishop Retirement Committee, Bar. Bose Olabisi, the Chancellor of the Diocese, she explained the program as follows
The retirement programme has been carefully structured to be spiritually enriching, inclusive, and forward-looking, spanning from December 2025 to February 2026.
1. Diocese-wide Spiritual Preparation
The journey began on *Sunday, 14th December 2025, with special prayers and mobilization across all parishes and churches in the Diocese, calling on God’s guidance, protection, and blessings for this historic transition.
2. Engagement with the Media
Today’s Press Conference, holding at the Bishops’ Court, formally unveils the programme and invites the media to partner with us in sharing this story of faith, service, and legacy with the wider public.
3. Youth, Children, and Chaplaincies’ Celebration.
On Saturday, 17th January 2026, the Cathedral hall is the venue of a special day dedicated to Youth, Children, and all Chaplaincies, affirming the Bishop’s enduring passion for nurturing future leaders in Church and society.
4. Archdeaconries’ Appreciation Days
A series of Archdeaconries’ Days will follow on:
24th January 2026 (Ajibode & Konifewo Archdeaconries),
31st January 2026 (Sango & Temidire Archdeaconries,
7th February 2026 (Cathedral, Oju-Ore, and Atan Archdeaconries).
These gatherings will celebrate collective ministry, women’s organizations, and grassroots church growth.
5. Legacy Projects
From 9th–11th February 2026, churches across the Diocese will dedicate legacy projects, reflecting the Bishop’s enduring imprint on infrastructure, mission, and human development.
6. Special Stakeholders’ Days
Clergy, Workers, Wives, and Children’s Day on 12th February 2026 at the Diocesan Headquarters.
Book Launch of the Bishop’s Autobiography and Compendium on Friday, 13th February 2026, followed by the Retirement Dinner the same evening.
7. Grand Finale
The programme culminates on Sunday, 15th February 2026 with the 70th Birthday Thanksgiving and Retirement Ceremony at the Cathedral, open to bishops, clergy, guests from across the Church of Nigeria, the Awori community, and the general public.
Appreciation and Invitation
We wish to sincerely appreciate the media for your continued partnership with the Church. We invite you to walk with us, report faithfully, and help document this historic milestone in the life of the Diocese.
As we honour a life of service, we also affirm continuity, hope, and God’s faithfulness to His Church.
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