The Catholic Church in Nigeria has lost one of its respected leaders, Bishop Emeritus of the Nsukka Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo. The late Bishop passed away in the early hours of Friday at the age of 89.
His death was confirmed in a statement released by the Vicar General of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Amuluche Greg Nnamani.
Born on November 4, 1936, Bishop Okobo dedicated his life to the service of God and the Church. He was ordained a Catholic priest on June 4, 1966, and went on to serve in various roles before becoming the first bishop of the newly created Diocese of Nsukka.
Okobo was appointed bishop on November 19, 1990, and was officially consecrated on January 6, 1991. As the pioneer bishop, he played a vital role in building the diocese from scratch, guiding its growth in both spiritual and structural terms.
He served faithfully for over two decades before retiring on April 13, 2013, upon reaching the Church’s official retirement age of 80. After retirement, he remained active in spiritual matters, offering guidance and support to the diocese and the faithful.
The late Bishop is remembered as a visionary leader, known for his humility, dedication to education, and promotion of peace. During his time as bishop, he worked tirelessly to establish parishes, schools, and health centres across the diocese. His efforts helped bring the Church closer to the people of Nsukka and surrounding areas.
Since the news of his death broke, tributes have been pouring in on social media from both clergy and lay members of the Church. Many described him as a father figure, a man of prayer, and a leader who inspired others through his example.
Catholics across Enugu State and Nigeria at large are mourning his passing, with many recalling his quiet strength and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
Rev. Fr. Nnamani, in his statement, urged the faithful to continue praying for the peaceful repose of Bishop Okobo’s soul and thanked God for the life and service of the late bishop.
“The Diocese of Nsukka has lost a great shepherd who gave his all in the service of Christ. Bishop Okobo was not only a spiritual leader but also a teacher and builder of faith,” he said.
The Diocese is expected to announce funeral arrangements in the coming days. Meanwhile, parishioners have begun holding special masses and prayers in his honour.
Bishop Francis Okobo’s legacy will live on through the institutions he helped build and the lives he touched. He leaves behind a diocese that has grown in strength and faith because of his leadership.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
