Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo has felicitated Most Rev. Thomas Obiatuegwu on his episcopal ordination as Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Catholic Diocese.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obiatuegwu was ordained at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Orlu, on Wednesday.
NAN also reports that the priest was appointed auxiliary bishop in January by the Spiritual Head of the Catholic Church Worldwide, Pope Francis.
Until his appointment, Obiatuegwu, who hails from Uli in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra, was the parish priest of St. Thomas Catholic Church, Umuahia, in Abia.
While congratulating Obiatuegwu on his elevation, the governor expressed confidence that he would discharge his duties accordingly.
He rejoiced with the diocese for its record growth of about 50 percent in the past years, urging the clergy and the laity to allow the growth to translate into the moral and spiritual uplift of the larger society.
“The church, apart from the family and the school, is the most influential agent of socialisation.
“I would, therefore, expect that the growth we are experiencing will translate into the spiritual uplifting of the larger society,’’ he said.
Speaking, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, welcomed Obiatuegwu to the conference and wished him a peaceful and successful episcopal ministry.
“I have confidence that he will be a good helper to the bishop, and I assure him of our prayers as he weathers through the multiple challenges of his episcopal ministry,’’ he said.
Ugorji, however, called on the Federal Government to end the Monday sit-at-home order in the South-East by exploring a civil approach to the release of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Also speaking, the Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Augustin Ukwuoma, urged the laity to hold firm to the gift of the church and support the leadership of the diocese.
Augustin thanked the governor for his efforts, which, he said, had greatly improved the security situation in the state, enhancing the successful ordination.
In his response, Obiatuegwu thanked the bishops’ conference for finding him worthy of being ordained and pledged his readiness to learn and serve.
He thanked members of the clergy, comprising 40 bishops, as well as the laity and government officials.
The cleric also expressed appreciation to Sen. Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West in the National Assembly, for identifying with him, even as he pledged his commitment to his episcopal ministry. (NAN)
