Buhari willing to host Nigerian who is England’s 1st black bishop in 20 years

President Muhammadu Buhari says he is willing to receive Woyin Karowei Dorgu, the first black bishop of the Church of England in 20 years.

He described the appointment of Dorgu, a Nigerian, as the 13th Bishop of Woolwich, by the Church of England, as “gladdening and reassuring”.

In a congratulatory message sent to Dorgu on Friday by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the president’s senior special assistant on foreign affairs and diaspora, Buhari said the appointment was an attestation to Nigeria’s excellence.

“Your appointment is gladdening and reassuring being the first black man to be so appointed in 20 years,” he said.

“This is an attestation to the fact that Nigerians in the Diaspora are excelling in their various fields of human endeavour, thus projecting a good image for the country abroad.”

The president hoped and prayed that Dorgu’s appointment as a bishop would serve as a catalyst for others in the region as well as enhance Nigeria’s spiritual rejuvenation.

“You have worked really hard and earned the respect of the Church of England to be so appointed. With you on this, we are sure you will continue to contribute your quota to the success of the Church,” he added.

President Buhari expressed his wiliness to receive Dorgu in Nigeria and rejoice with him on his unique feat, which has made Nigeria proud.

Dorgu, who is an Arsenal fan and a UNILAG graduate, will be consecrated at Southwark Cathedral on March 17, 2017.

The Queen of England approved the appointment of Dorgu on Tuesday.

The 58-year-old general practitioner studied at the London Bible College for his BA, and studied for his ordination at Oak Hill Theological College from 1993 to 1995 and also holds an MA in missiology.

He was Curate at St Mark’s Tollington in London Diocese from 1995 to 1998, before moving to be Curate at Upper Holloway in the same diocese until 2000.

The only other black bishop in the Church of England is John Sentamu, now archbishop of York – second in the church hierarchy – who was consecrated as bishop of Stepney 20 years ago. There are three BAME archdeacons and one dean.

Dorgu had said his appointment was “a small step in the right direction”.