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Pope Leo XIV had described late Bishop Francis Okobo, the first Bishop of Nsukka Catholic Diocese, an ambassador of Jesus Christ, who, according to him, dedicated all his time to the service of God and humanity while on earth.
The Pope said this in a condolence message during the burial mass of Okobo at St Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral Nsukka, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
The Catholic Pontiff commended Okobo’s dedication and resilience as the first bishop of the Nsukka Catholic Diocese in building the diocese from foundation to a greater height.
“Okobo’s efforts as the pioneer bishop in building and nurturing the diocese, his service to the faithful and humanity are commendable.
“God will reward him with eternal life having worked in God’s vineyard as an ambassador of Christ all his life,” the Pope said.
In a remark during a burial mass presided over by Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Ugorji said Catholic bishops were not in Nsukka to mourn Okobo but to praise God who made it possible for Okobo to use his life to serve God and humanity.
“Okobo as the first bishop of Nsukka Catholic Diocese was a man of faith who gave himself to God and humanity.
“Okobo trusted God and surrendered himself to God as well to help in bringing salvation to many,” he said.
The CBCN President, who is also the Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, said that because Okobo was faithful to God, that was why God gave him also a faithful successor in the person of Bishop Godfrey Onah who continued to consolidate on Okobo’s achievements.
“I commend the Catholic faithful in Nsukka for the maximum support given to Okobo, the first bishop of the diocese.
“The huge crowd here today that came from far and near to join us in praising God for Okobo’s life is a testament that he touched many lives positively while on earth,” he said.
Speaking, Bishop Godfrey Onah who succeeded Okobo described the late bishop as a dedicated servant of God who submitted himself not only to God but also to the church.
“Okobo gave all himself to God and to the church.
“With tears in our hearts but with gratitude to God, today we laid to rest the founding father of our diocese to continue to sleep in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“We are consoled that Okobo gave himself all to God and the Church, and he has gone to be with his creator forever,” he said.
Onah expressed special appreciation to Catholic bishops who came from different parts of the country for the burial and prayed God to grant them journey mercies back to their different dioceses.
He also thanked all who came from far and near to pay last respect to the pioneer bishop and bishop emeritus of Nsukka Catholic Diocese.
Our correspondent reports that over 50 Catholic Bishops, Catholic Priests, Reverend Sisters and Seminarians were present during the burial.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Mr Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, were among dignitaries present.
Bishop died on Thursday, August 29, 2025, at the age of 89.
He was born in Lejja Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday, November 4, 1936.
Okobo was ordained a priest in 1966 and appointed Bishop of Nsukka Catholic Diocese in 1990 until his retirement in 2013.
During his tenure, he oversaw significant growth in the diocese, including the construction of St Theresa’s Cathedral and the establishment of various institutions.
