Today, the Church of God mourns the life and times of one of her finest, elegant, general and fathers, His Grace, The Most Rev. Maxwell S. C Anikwenwa, the Pioneer and Emeritus Bishop of Awka Diocese, Emeritus Archbishop of Province 2 and Province of the Niger and Emeritus Dean of the Church of Nigeria – Anglican Communion.
Baba CMS as he was fondly called served God and His Church as a Vicar, Synod Secretary, Bishop, Archbishop, Dean of the Church of Nigeria and State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria at various times.
Archbishop Maxwell was a fearless crusader of the Gospel, Justice and Truth. He exemplified courage, bravery and gallantry throughout his service for the advancement of the Christian faith, bearing the Cross of Christ against sin, the devil and the world.
He battled like a General against the ills and depravities in the society, championing the course of the life of character, godliness and values.
As a leader, he was Character, Diligence, orderliness and Respect personified. He abhorred slothfulness in service and was an Advocate of giving all for the Saviour’s use.
Archbishop M. S. C Anikwenwa was a compendium of knowledge and volumes of wisdom. As a Theologian, his thoughtful theological reflections were deep, sound and practical. He was a teacher of the Word in its simplicity yet highly pragmatic and instructional.
He strongly upheld the Christian faith in the CMS tradition as was received by the Church.
He believed that the soundness of character and purity of life (demonstrated through the Fruit of the Spirit) were strong proofs of a life that has encountered the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s University is his brainchild as he was consistently concerned and dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and shaping of lives using the vehicle of education.
This proved that he was a Missionary to the core as he upheld the continued tripartite model of the earliest missionaries, preach, teach and heal signifying the Gospel running on the wheels of the Church, school and hospital.
Most Reverend Maxwell Samuel Chukwunwike Anikwenwa(Ezekwesili)
As a Model, Archbishop Maxwell mentored innumerable number of persons and preached to all modeling the simplicity and meekness of Christ to them in his life and disposition. He was a man of discipline, values and integrity yet obviously meek, kind, humane and generously loving.
Socially, Archbishop Maxwell stood out as an Igbo community Leader who championed matters of the Igbo nation. He was passionate about his people and fought for equity and justice.
In the Political Arena, Archbishop Anikwenwa was well respected as he stood vehemently against corruption and abuse of offices. He never failed to call political leaders to order as the Prophet he was.
Indeed, Archbishop Maxwell S. C Anikwenwa will be greatly missed by the Church of Christ and humanity at large.
We commend Nnediọgọ his humble wife and the entire Anikwenwa family to the care, comfort and Strength of the Holy Spirit in a time like this.
Adieu, the Chariot and Horsemen thereof!
Adieu, The Bishop of bishops!!
Adieu, Ezekwesili the Dean!!!
The Rt. Rev. Dr Owen Chiedozie & Dr (Mrs) Elsie Nonyelum Nwokolo
Bishop, Diocese on the Niger.
