Rt. Revd. Dr. Johnson Akin Atere, the Pioneer Bishop of Awori Diocese of the Anglican Communion, has announced his retirement from active episcopal service, come February 2026.
The revered clergyman made this known during a press conference held at the Government Reserved Area (GRA), Ota, Ogun State, where he reflected on his years of service, personal milestones, and the future of the church within the diocese.
Bishop Akin Atere, the first Anglican Bishop to obtain a Doctorate degree (PhD) in Old Testament Studies. The feat he described as a testimony to the importance of sound theological education and continuous learning among clergy.
“I believe it is good for the public and the church to know that education contributes immensely to personal development, I was the first person to earn a PhD in Old Testament Studies within the Anglican episcopacy,” he said, adding that academic excellence strengthens the quality of leadership and biblical interpretation in the church.
As the pioneer bishop of the Awori Diocese, Rt. Revd. Akin Atere enumerated the vast progress recorded since the creation of the diocese, noting improvements in clergy training, parish development, and administrative structures. However, he stressed that more work remains to be done, particularly in the area of church expansion.
He specifically pointed to Ilogbo axis of the diocese, stating that the area has the capacity to accommodate at least five Anglican churches due to its growing population and spiritual needs.
“Ilogbo is expanding rapidly. The Anglican Church must be proactive, that area alone can conveniently sustain five Anglican churches if we are deliberate and committed,” he said.
The bishop called on church leaders, stakeholders, and the incoming leadership to prioritize evangelism, church planting, and infrastructural development, emphasizing that the growth of the church must match the growth of communities within the diocese.
Rt. Revd. Dr. Akin Atere also used the opportunity to express gratitude to God, the clergy, and members of the diocese for their support throughout his tenure, assuring them that even in retirement, he would continue to contribute to the work of God through mentorship, teaching, and advisory roles.
His retirement in February 2026 is expected to mark the end of a remarkable chapter in the Awori Diocese, defined by pioneering leadership, academic excellence, and a strong vision for sustainable church growth.
Earlier speaking, the Chancellor of the Diocese, Barr. Mrs. Bose Olabisi, highlighted the retirement programme to include spiritually enriching and all inclusive stating on Sunday, 14th December 2025 there will be special prayers and mobilization across all parishes and churches in the Diocese as well on Saturday, 17th January 2026, the cathedral hall is the venue for affirming the Bishop's enduring passion for nurturing future leaders in Church and society.
She added that Archdeaconries appreciation days with Ajibode and Konifewo on 24th January, Sango & Temidire Archdeaconries on 3ist January 2026, Cathedral,Oju Ore and Atan Archdeaconeies on 7th february 2026 saying the gatherings will celebrate collective ministry,women's organization and grassroots church growth.
Barr. Olabisi said on 9th to 11th, February, Churches across the Diocese will dedicate legacy projects reflecting the Bishop's enduring imprint on infrastructure, mission and human development adding that clergy, workers, wives and children's day on 12th, February 2026 at the Diocesan Headquarters as well launching of books of the Bishop's autobiography and compendium while the grand finale is schedule for Sunday, 15th February 2026 with 70th Birthday Thanksgiving.
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