By Emeka Odogwu
The Assistant Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Anambra State, the Rt Rev Sharon Ukah, has raised the alarm over the resurgence of idolatry in Igbo land.
Bishop Ukah lamented that traditional cults and masquerade practices were gradually reclaiming ground among the youth across communities in the South-East.
In an exclusive interview, Bishop Ukah expressed deep concern that many villages in Igbo land were witnessing a revival of ancient rites and cultic initiations.
He noted particularly the growing popularity of Ekpe Masquerade Festivals in some parts of Abia State, narrating with regrets, “In my own village last December, over 30 youths were initiated into the Ekpe Masquerade cult.
“The entire village was engulfed in celebrating what is essentially a return to idol worship,” he bemoaned.
He disclosed that the issue was recently brought to the attention of the state governor during a meeting at the Government House.
According to him, the Governor challenged church leaders to rise to their responsibility, stressing that political leadership alone could not tackle the spiritual regression.
“The Governor,” he said, “told us pointedly that he is doing his part, and that the Church must now do more.”
Worried by the declining influence of the Church, the bishop questioned the authenticity of Christian membership statistics.
“We say we are a hundred million Christians, but how many of us are actually still in the register or grounded in the faith?” he asked, blaming the trend partly on the spread of materialistic preaching which he said had weakened true discipleship and Gospel engagement.
“Today, many preachers are offering prosperity instead of preaching Christ. People no longer get rooted in the Gospel. That is why our bishops have resolved to prioritize quality teachings and discipleship,” he explained.
Ukah revealed that the Church had as a result launched initiatives — such as crusades, lectures, seminars, and youth-focused teachings — to counter the growing influence of idol worship.
“Our pastors must hold firmly to their flocks, disciple them thoroughly, and follow them up. You can’t just confirm someone and abandon them. There must be consistent mentorship,” he stressed.
On political engagement, the CCN scribe declared strong support for the full participation of Christians in politics at all levels, citing the biblical injunction that “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.
The Church Father urged Christians to get their voter cards and not only vote but also stand for election, insisting, “We should stop sitting on the fence.
“Christians must go into government and governance. If we had truly righteous leaders, Nigeria would be a better place today,” he said.
He further entreated the Church in Nigeria to overcome internal divisions, warning that doctrinal disputes could weaken the collective Christian witness, just as it did in the early Church of North Africa.
“Instead of fighting over baptism or speaking in tongues, we should focus on preaching the undiluted Gospel of Christ,” the cleric admonished.
The Rt Rev Ukah called for unity, strategic discipleship, and a return to authentic Christian living as the most potent response of the Church to the unprecedented resurgence of idolatry and the socio-political decay rocking the land.
