Nnewi Catholic Diocese Affirms Late Ifeanyi Ubah’s Contributions Were Recognized

The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has clarified that the contributions of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to the construction of the newly dedicated Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi were properly acknowledged.

The statement comes in response to claims by one James Okoye, who alleged that the church overlooked Ubah’s role during the cathedral’s dedication ceremony.

Reacting to the allegations, Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghulor, Publicity Chairman of the Cathedral Dedication Committee, said the diocese deeply appreciated the efforts of Senator Ubah and other benefactors who supported the cathedral’s completion.

“For months, the church prepared prayers for the dedication ceremony in which benefactors were acknowledged and deceased contributors remembered, including Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Ajulu Uzodike, both members of the cathedral building committee from the outset,” Fr. Aghulor explained.

He added: “The Bishop of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye, mentioned Cardinal Francis Arinze, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, and others during the service. Dr. Ubah was also mentioned on page 10 of the dedication brochure and referenced extensively on pages 7 to 9.”

Fr. Aghulor clarified that while the late senator was a major benefactor, he neither singlehandedly built the cathedral nor initiated the project.

He further emphasized that contributions to the church are made for God, not for public acclaim or monuments. “People who give to the church are giving to God, not to the Bishop or priests, and appreciation is a continuous spiritual process,” he said.

According to Fr. Aghulor, over 20 churches have been built by individuals within the diocese without public immortalisation. “The church, however, has its own way of honouring benefactors across its 147 parishes,” he said, noting that recognition within the church differs from government practices and transcends ceremonial acknowledgements.

Opinion Nigeria News