The first indigenous Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri was on Thursday consecrated in Borno State.

Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, a native of

Shellang Local Government Area of Adamawa  State was consecrated as the Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri Catholic Diocese, by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Excellency, Most Rev. Antonio Guido Filipazzi,  at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Maiduguri, the state capital.

The event was attended by dozens of Catholic Archbishops and Bishops from within and outside the country, among other prominent individuals including the Presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party and former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi.  
Obi declined to speak to the press but it was learned that he was in Maiduguri purposely to grace the Episcopal Ordination, also attended by Catholic Bishops of Enugu, Onitsha, Keffi, Panshin, Jalingo, Yola, Bauchi and Jos Dioceses among others. 
Speaking on the occasion, Most Rev Filipazzi asked Bakeni to use his good offices, as a Bishop ‘’to build the body of Christ for His Church to remain in unity together with the Order of Bishops.’’
He further said that, the title of Bishop is one of service, not honour, adding therefore, that a Bishop should strive to be of benefit to others rather than lord it over them.

The Pope's representative noted  that, such is the precept of the Master: the greater should behave as the least and the ruler as the servant.
Filipazzi also urged the new Bishop to preach the word in season and out of season; reprove with all patience and sounding teaching for the benefit of Catholic family.
He said, as the Church entrusted you (Bishop Bakeni), to be "a faithful steward, moderator, and guardian of the mysteries of Christ our Lord, and love all whom God places in your care, especially priests and deacons, your co-workers in the ministry of Christ, but also the poor and the weak, immigrants and strangers.” 
He further asked also the newly consecrated Bishop to guide the holy people of God in the way of salvation as a devoted father and sustain them with the help of his fellow ministers, the priests and deacons, adding that he should equally guide the faithful by remaining the repository of faith as well as incorruptible, as handed down by the Apostles and preserved in the Church everywhere and at all times.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, reminded the new bishop that having been admitted into the fold, he had been entrusted with the task of bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel with the ministry of the Spirit and Justice.
In his comments, Bishop Bakeni thanked all those who attended or participated in the ceremony and urged them to continue to pray for him, adding that since the Pope graciously nominated him as an assistant, as requested by His Lordship, Most Rev. Oliver Dashe Doeme of Maiduguri Diocese, he would remain loyal to Doeme and be dedicated in the Lord’s Vine yard.
Bakeni was born on March 15, 1975 in Kiri village of Shellang Local Government Area of Adamawa state and ordained priest on August 17, 2002 at St Patrick’s Cathedral Maiduguri, after which, he attended various theological studies within and outside the country before his new appointment as Auxiliary Bishop on April 12, 2022 by His Holiness, Pope Francis.