Warri Catholic Diocese plans adequate security ahead of new Bishop’s installation

The Catholic Diocese of Warri says adequate security and other necessary arrangements have been put in place ahead of the Episcopal Ordination and Installation of its new Bishop, Monsignor Anthony Ewherido.

Very Rev. (Fr.) Jude Obuinu, the Chairman, Episcopal Ordination and Installation Planning Committee of the Diocese, made this known at a news conference on Saturday in Effurun, Delta.

“We are putting measures in place to ensure adequate security and smooth movement of vehicles and human beings,” Obuinu, also a Professor at the Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU), said.

Flanked by other members of the committee, he said that Christian faithful, within and in Diaspora would attend the event slated for Feb. 9.

Giving a brief history of the Warri Catholic Diocese, he said the Diocese was created on March 10, 1964 by Pope Paul VI, adding that it had grown over the years.

According to him, the Diocese started with eight parishes, saying it has increased to about 154 parishes and 179 ordained priests, among others.

“We are getting bigger and we hope that as we progress, more Dioceses will be created out of the Warri Diocese.

“This ordination and installation is a great event for us; we are excited and feel blessed.

“We are taking another step forward in developing Catholic faith in Warri Diocese,” Obuinu said.

He extolled the virtues of the immediate past Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. John Afaregha, for his contributions to the growth and development of the diocese since his assumption in 2010.

Obuinu said that the Bishop, who retired in 2022, had within the period, created many parishes, ordained priests and build the Jubilee Retreat and Conference Centre, among others.

“The Church grows in terms of manpower, human resources and creates avenues for people to evangelise and bring many into the Catholic faith.

“After his retirement, Most Rev. Augustine Okubeze, was appointed at Apostolic Administrator to administer the affairs of the Warri Catholic Diocese, while preparing for the next Bishop.

“To the glory of God, on Dec. 28, 2022, Rt. Rev. Ewherido was appointed as our new Bishop. The announcement was made by Most Rev. Okubeze, the Apostolic Administrator of this Diocese at this Cathedral,” he said.

Obuinu, however, enjoined Christian faithful to join the committee in prayers for a successful celebration.

According to him, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, his Deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in the state, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege and some members of the state House of Assembly would grace the ceremony.

“We are expecting a great and hitch-free celebration. All the Catholic Bishops, both serving and retired in Nigeria, Anthonio Filipazzi, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria.

“Catholic Cardinals, Bishops and other Church dignitaries will attend the event,” he said.