First Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Francis Okobo, dies @ 89

Catholic Bishop Emeritus of Nsukka Catholic Diocese, Enugu State, Most Rev. Father Francis Emmanuel Ogbonnia Okobo, is dead.

His death was confirmed in two separate statements by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja and the Nsukka Catholic Diocese on Friday, indicating that Okobo died at the Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu, at the age of 89.
“It is with total submission to the will of Almighty God and steadfast hope in the resurrection of the dead, that the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria announces the passing to eternal glory of Most Rev. Francis Emmanuel Ogbonnia Okobo,” the statement partly read.
Okobo was born on November 4, 1936.
He was ordained a priest on June 4, 1966 and was appointed Bishop of Nsukka diocese on November 19, 1990.
He was ordained bishop of Nsukka diocese on January 6, 1991 and retired as bishop on April 13, 2013," the Catholic Secretariat noted, adding that details regarding the funeral arrangements and related liturgical observances will be communicated in due course.
“We invite the faithful to commend his soul to the merciful embrace of our Lord. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen,” the statement added.

Also, in another statement by the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, signed by Rev Father Amuluche Greg Nnamani read, and addressed to Monsignors, Reverend Fathers and the fateful read, "It is with deep pain and sorrow, yet with a total submission to the will of the Almighty God and a firm hope in the resurrection of the dead, that I announce the sad news of the passing onto glory of our Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Francis Emmanuel Ogbonnia Okobo. He died this morning, August 29, 2025 at the Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu. Further information over this sad event will be communicated to you later. May his soul rest in peace. Amen."