BREAKING: Pope Francis Appoints Bishop Simeon Nwobi As Substantive Bishop Of Ahiara Diocese

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has confirmed Bishop Simeon Okezuo Nwobi as the substantive Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, Nigeria.

Bishop Nwobi, a member of the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians), was previously appointed as the Titular Bishop of Rusgunie and Auxiliary Bishop of the Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of Ahiara in October 2023.

With over three decades of priestly experience and a strong educational background, Bishop Nwobi is well-equipped to lead the Ahiara Diocese.

Bishop Nwobi until this elevation, was on the 14th of October 2023, appointed Titular Bishop of Rusgunie and Auxiliary Bishop of the Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of Ahiara (Nigeria) and received his episcopal consecration on the 19th of December, 2023.

Bishop Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, C.M.F., was born on 25 March 1960 in Eziama Oparanadim Ekwereazu, in the Diocese of Ahiara. After joining the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians), he undertook studies in Philosophy at the Claretian Institute of Philosophy Maryland, Nedeke, and later in Theology at Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu. He made his Perpetual Profession on 11 September 1988 and was ordained a priest on 21 July 1990 for his congregation.

He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology in Enugu, a Licentiate in Missiology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the National Open University of Nigeria.

He has held the following positions: Parish Priest at St. Anthony’s in Igbo-Ora (1990-1992); Bursar at Claretian Theology in Enugu (1992-1997); Director of the Spirituality Department at Claretian Institute of Philosophy Maryland, Nedeke (1999-2000); Professor at Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu (2000-2009); Prefect of Apostolate at the Claretian Provincial Curia in New Owerri (2005-2010); Parish Priest at St. Paul’s in Nekede (2006-2010); and Pastor at St. Paul’s in Enugu (2006-2010). Paul in Nekede (2006-2010); Provincial of the Eastern Province of Nigeria of the Missionaries Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (2010-2022).