On Sunday, 12th April 2026, Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, was aglow with joy as clergy, dignitaries, and the lay faithful gathered for a Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving in honour of Msgr. Prof. Francis Obiora Ike, Board Chairman of UPMFB.
The celebration marked two significant milestones in his life: his 70th birthday and 45 years of faithful service in the Catholic priesthood.
Held during the 10:00 a.m. Mass, the event drew a distinguished congregation which included The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter N. Mbah, Cardinal John Onaiyekan of Abuja Archdiocese, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Callistus V.C. Onaga, his Auxiliary, Most Rev. Dr Ernest A. Obodo, and the Bishop Emeritus of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji. Also present were the Auxiliary Bishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Most Rev. Anselm Umoren, and the Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Godfrey I. Onah. Foreign guests, members of various religious congregations, numerous priests, government officials, and lay faithful from within and beyond the diocese were also in attendance.
Homily Highlights
During the homily at the Anniversary Mass, Bishop Godfrey I. Onah described Msgr. Ike as “a model for us all,” noting his work in establishing healthcare centres, farms, and technical schools. “Trust is good, but control is better,”the Bishop remarked, pointing to Msgr. Ike’s disciplined and value-driven approach to service.
Bishop Ernest A. Obodo further described Msgr. Ike as a living testimony of love for the marginalized. He noted that Msgr. Ike inherited a deep sense of culture from his parents and bridges worlds by speaking both local and foreign languages. His name, _Obiora_“the heart of all, captures his compassion and his desire to draw out the best in every human being. True to his ordination motto, “Being all things to all men,” he renders selfless service wherever he goes and champions teamwork.
Speaking at the reception, Dr. Peter Mbah, Executive Governor of Enugu State, described Msgr. Ike as “70 years of an earthly surgeon” a man whose encounter leaves no one uninspired. “He embodies ethical, value-oriented leadership,”the Governor said. “Spend a day with him and you leave endowed with intriguing and transcendent inspiration.”He added that Msgr. Ike’s mind is fixed not on himself, but on equipping others, innovating, and building the Africa of our dream. “He challenges us to dream, to be proactive, and to shape the future,”Governor Mbah stated, that Msgr. Ike lives out Luke’s Gospel: “Faith without good works is nothing.”
The anniversary program was intentionally designed to reflect Msgr. Ike’s multifaceted legacy, blending education, information, cultural expression, and entertainment. The liturgy was followed by an achievement segment highlighting his contributions to the Church, academia, and community development, after which guests were treated to a colorful and well-attended reception.
The day stood as both a celebration of personal milestones and a testament to Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike’s enduring impact on the Church and society over four and a half decades of priestly ministry.
Rev. Sr. Chrisloveth Onwukwe SCHC
