Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has called on the Catholic Community in Nnewi to support the new Bishop of Nnewi Diocese Most Reverend Jonas-Benson Okoye.
Governor Obiano made the call during the installation ceremony of the Bishop which at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi.
Government House Correspondent, Ejike Abana reports that the event attracted the Catholic Nuncio and the Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Archbishop Antonio Guido Nuncio, fourty seven ArchBishops, Bishops and Reverend Fathers from within and outside the state, including the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province the Most Reverend Valerian Okeke, among others.
Governor Obiano who described the event as special in the life of the church, asked the Catholic faithful to rally round the new Bishop to encourage him to succeed.
The Governor congratulated Bishop Hillary Okeke for the good job he did during his stay and wished the new Bishop well in his new area of calling.
In a goodwill message, the President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Augustine Akabueze congratulated Bishop Okoye for being chosen by the Pope, stating that the new position has alot of authority, but admonished that it should be exercised in love for the Church and the people of God.
While describing himself as a servant to God’s purpose and expressing optimism that his sojourn in the Diocese will be fruitful, Bishop Okoye who applauded Governor Obiano’s developmental strides, especially the construction of Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, revealed that about thirty of the Bishops flew in through the airport, stating that the Church will continue to partner individuals, governments and agencies to promote the work of God.
Earlier, the Bishop Emeritus, Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Hillary Odili-Okeke who explained that he resigned his office as a result of health issues in line with the tenets of the church, asked God to bless the congregation and expressed gratitude to everyone that came for the installation
Also present were the Anambra Governor-Elect, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Victor Oye, former National Chairman of APGA, Senator Victor Umeh, among others.