Martha Udom
EKET, AKWA IBOM -The 35th Annual Session of the Mainland Nigeria Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Eastern West Africa Episcopal District, has ended.
The conference was held from Wednesday 15th to Sunday 19th October, 2026 at St. Michael A.M.E. Zion Church, Effoi, Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
The conference has 7 Districts, with 2 delegates representing each local church.
The Conference was held under the theme: “THE A.M.E. ZION CHURCH – SERVING THIS PRESENT AGE: CONCENTRATING IN OUR MINISTRIES.”
It is derived from the Quadrennial Theme 2024-2028: “The A.M.E. Zion Church – Serving This Present Age: Committing to Our Mission, Being Creative in Our Methods, Concentrating in Our Ministries and Connecting Through Our Membership.”
The Conference Bible Study for 2026 focused on “CONCENTRATING ON OUR MINISTRIES” with texts from John 9:4, Romans 1:16 and Acts 6.
The Conference was presided over by Bishop Uduak U. Effiong, Presiding Prelate of the Eastern West Africa Episcopal District, with Mrs. Promise C. Effiong, Missionary Supervisor in attendance. The Host Presiding Elder/BAA was Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Asuamiom, JP, while the Host Pastor was Rev. Emmanuel O. Eyenwan.
Activities began on Wednesday 15th with arrival and registration of ministers and delegates, followed by a Sing Song Service in the evening.
Thursday 16th marked the official opening with morning devotion and official opening service which featured Call to Worship, Holy Communion Service officiated by Bishop Uduak U. Effiong, election of Conference Officers, Roll Call of Ministers, adoption of programme and the Episcopal Address by Bishop Uduak U. Effiong.
Business session followed immediately with First Financial Report, Reports of Presiding Elders, Reports of Pastors and Reports by Departments and Boards including Department of Evangelism, Christian Education Department, Lay Council, Men of Zion, W.H.& O.M.S., Youth Department and Director of Music.
During the ministers report, Arc. Allison Ere pledged to support Bro. Iniobong James in clearing his conference financial claims for the conference year while he focuses on his dream.
Friday 17th featured morning devotion and continuation of business session with presentation and adoption of the 2026/2027 Budget, Reports of Standing Boards and Committees, and election of Triers of Appeal and Board of Apportionment. In the evening, the Lay Council, Life Members, Ministers and Ministers Spouses Programme held alongside the School of the Prophet.
Saturday 18th featured morning devotion, Conference Bible Study, Noon-Day Ordination Service conducted by Bishop Uduak U. Effiong and afternoon Zion Street Rally through Effoi community, Eket. The evening featured Youth Special Programme and Music Festival.
The Conference climaxed on Sunday 19th with 6:00am Morning Cry by the Department of Evangelism and 7:30am Sunday School by the Christian Education Department. The Official Closing Worship Service commenced at 9:00am.
The closing sermon was delivered on the topic “A charge (to keep) I have” with text from Colossians 4:17.
Bishop Uduak U. Effiong in his charge to ministers said, “When you are charged from one place, station, office to another, move on, accept it, keep moving and press on with Christ.”
After the charge, Bishop Uduak U. Effiong read the pastoral appointments for the 2026/2027 Conference Year.
The session ended with the closing hymn, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”, followed by the closing benediction by Bishop Uduak U. Effiong.
