The Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo, has passed away at the age of 89.
Naija News reports that Okobo, who was the pioneer bishop of the diocese, died early Friday morning after a brief illness.
Although the Nsukka Diocese has yet to release an official statement, according to Sahara Reporters, several priests from the diocese confirmed his death on Friday.
The Most Rev. Okobo’s passing marks the end of an era for the Catholic community in Nsukka, where he is widely revered for his significant contributions to the growth of the Church.
Okobo was appointed the first Bishop of Nsukka Diocese on November 19, 1990, and ordained on January 6, 1991.
He served in that capacity until April 13, 2013, when he retired upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 80.
Born on November 4, 1936, Okobo was ordained a Catholic priest on June 4, 1966. His decades of priestly service culminated in his appointment as bishop, where he laid the foundation for the Diocese of Nsukka and nurtured it for over two decades.
Tributes have continued to pour in on social media from parishioners, priests, and members of the Catholic faithful who described him as a selfless shepherd and a father figure.
The post First Bishop Of Nsukka Diocese, Okobo Dies At 89 appeared first on Naija News.
