Missionary Church
Opu-Ama Ikpokiri Phase II

The pioneer members were all originally congregants of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church at Ikpokiri Phase I. After five years of dedicated service in the mother church, Chief Asitonka Amangi Tende perceived the immense need to establish a dedicated church in Ikpokiri Phase II. He presented this proposal to the Parish Church Council (PCC), which included Chairman Emmanuel Ngerigilabo, Secretary Engr. Alasomuka, and Prince David. The proposal was formally accepted by the church authorities.

In 2013, during an Episcopal Visit to St. Andrew’s, Ikpokiri Phase I by the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Revd. Tubokosemie R. Abere (JP), the Vicar, Revd. Inichinbia, reported on the plans to build in Phase II. Bishop Abere embraced the vision enthusiastically.

To settle disputes over whether the area should be referred to as “Opu-Ama” or “Ikpokiri Phase II,” Chief Asitonka suggested the unifying title: “Missionary Church, Opu-Ama Ikpokiri Phase II”. This unifying name resolved community tensions and was officially approved by Bishop Abere on 5th September, 2013.

Construction began on 20th January, 2014, using simple timber, planks, and zinc. The church structure was supported initially by well-meaning community members who donated nails and wood. It was an undertaking largely managed and sustained by only two resolute families: Chief Asitonka Amangi Tende's family, and Mrs. Loria Eneomie Anga's family.

On 15th September, 2015, with hopes to graduate from a plank structure to a permanent block building, the families commenced block work. Despite appeals for financial support to parent and neighboring churches, help was completely unavailable. By immense personal sacrifice, they managed to push the block construction to an advanced stage by 5th February, 2016.

Yet, the strain was immense. With no external money and no financial support, parts of the incomplete walls collapsed. Still, the unyielding members repaired it with whatever little they had and kept the church mission alive.

Over the years, the number of worshippers severely declined as many young people left the community. By 2021, under Evang. Goodness I. Josiah II, the congregation consisted of only four faithful adults: Chief Asitonka Tende and his wife, alongside Mrs. Loria and her husband.

Hope, however, arrived miraculously during an Episcopal visit by Bishop Enoch Atuboyedia in 2023. Witnessing the severe struggle and dedication of the four members, they tearfully appealed to the Bishop for intervention. Bishop Atuboyedia, deeply moved by their resilience, promised to help.

True to his word, the Bishop remitted the sum of Two Million Naira (₦2,000,000.00) to assist the church in lifting its walls to the lintel level, singlehandedly saving the infrastructure of the church. The church remains profoundly grateful, praying fervently for God’s continuous blessing and protection over the Diocesan Bishop.