President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Bishop Francis Emmanuel Okobo, the pioneer Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, who died at the age of 88.

 

Bishop Okobo, ordained in 1966 at the age of 29, dedicated more than five decades to priestly service. He was consecrated bishop in 1991 and went on to lead the Nsukka Diocese for 34 years, guiding it through a period of remarkable growth, expansion, and spiritual impact.

 

In a condolence message issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the late bishop as a “devoted servant of God” whose life exemplified selfless service, spiritual leadership, and love for humanity.

 

“As the pioneer Catholic Bishop of the Nsukka Diocese, Bishop Okobo provided uncommon leadership and direction to the Catholic faithful, leading to the Church’s exponential growth in Nsukka Diocese. As a priest and worker in God’s vineyard, he lived an exemplary and impactful life, building the Church and guiding countless souls with love and wisdom,” the President said.

 

Tinubu extended his condolences to Bishop Okobo’s family, the Catholic Church in Nsukka, the government and people of Enugu State, and the wider Christian community.

 

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the late bishop’s soul, describing him as a shepherd who left an indelible legacy in the Catholic Church and Nigerian society at large.