The General Superintendent of Mount Zion Mission Inc. (MZIM), His Eminence, Archbishop Dr. Asuquo Okon, has announced that the Mission will mark its 80th anniversary alongside ministers’ ordination on May 23, 2026.
Okon made the announcement in an address delivered at the closing of the 2025 International Annual Convention of the Mission, held at its International Headquarters, No. 1–3 Isangedighi Street, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
The convention, which ran from Friday, Dec. 12 to Tuesday, Dec. 16, had the theme: “I Will Build My Church and the Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against It” (Matthew 16:18).
The General Superintendent expressed gratitude to God for the lives of members and the success of the annual gathering, while appreciating the sacrifices and contributions of groups and individuals across the Mission.
He specifically commended the Council of Bishops and Apostles, the Ministerial Council, Elders’ Board, Women Fellowship, Deacons and Deaconesses, youths and other associations for their support, citing projects such as water supply, solar streetlights and donation of canopies.
According to him, the forthcoming 80th anniversary celebration and ministers’ ordination would take a different format, with activities designed to add colour and significance to the historic milestone.
He also announced that officers’ ordination for elders, deacons and deaconesses would hold on April 24, 2026, for those who had served for at least two years.
On administrative reforms, Okon said that from 2026, the General Superintendent would serve as chairman and first officiating minister at National Mid-Year Conventions, to give the event a stronger national identity.
He further disclosed that the leadership of the National Women Fellowship and the National Board of Deaconesses had been merged into a single body to handle women’s affairs in the Mission.
The cleric cautioned against the usurpation of authority by duty elders and committee members, stressing that ministers remained the heads of churches, while elders were to play supportive and advisory roles.
He also issued strict directives on the custody of church funds, warning treasurers and groups against misuse or diversion of Mission resources without due approval.
On discipline, Okon reiterated the Mission’s decision to sanction ministers and officers who failed to attend the 2025 National General Ministers and Officers’ Seminar.
He emphasised that all qualified elders and deaconesses must actively participate in the Board of Elders and National Women Fellowship respectively, warning that defaulters would face disciplinary action.
The General Superintendent also announced the dissolution of all duty positions in the Mission with effect from Dec. 31, 2025, adding that new duty offices would commence in January 2026.
In terms of expansion, he revealed the creation of Ibotong District, with headquarters at Ibotong, and Okossi Section, with headquarters at Okossi, urging leaders and members to work sacrificially for growth and unity.
Okon further announced that National Women Fellowship meetings would no longer hold on Mondays during the annual convention, effective from 2025, and called on men to attend the Monday morning sessions.
He encouraged members to intensify evangelism, improve response to missionary fund payments and support church development projects across assemblies.
The General Superintendent concluded by blessing members and wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, expressing hope that the gains of the 2025 convention would be sustained in the coming year.