We honor the spiritual leaders who are indigenous to our community. These are men whose lives, callings, and sacred duties have shaped the moral, religious, and cultural identity of our people across generations. Through priesthood, pastoral service, traditional spirituality, and unwavering devotion to humanity, they have served as custodians of faith, conscience, and communal values. Their journeys reflect both the spiritual heritage of the land and the enduring commitment of its sons to guiding, teaching, and uplifting the community.
RT. REV. MSGR. PATRICKMARY ANENE MUO:
Rt. Rev. Msgr. PatrickmMary Anene Muo was born of Mr. Mark Muo and Mrs Theresa Muo of Urunnebo Village, Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on 11th September, 1942. He is the first child of his parents. He is a Catholic priest of Abakaliki Diocese. He is the first indigenous Catholic priest of Enugwu-Ukwu and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1973. He is very much involved in the exercise of inculturation of the Christian Faith and life in Igbo land. He had a personal experience of Igbo tradition and culture. He was the parish Priest of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Okpaugwu, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state. He was also the former Vicar General of Abakaliki Catholic Diocese, Founder of Sisters of Jesus the Good Shepherd. An Educationist who has built many educational institutions, a writer who has written so many books especially on the subject of inculturation of the Christian faith in the daily life of the people etc.
The first fruit of his Parents; The foremost Canon Lawyer of Abakaliki Diocese, The foremost Educationist who founded St. Theresa’s Primary and Secondary Schools, Abakaliki; who also brought about Ecumenical Secondary School, Ngbo; and initiated the Institute of Ecumenical Education, Abakaliki;
The foremost Representative of the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki in the Christian Association of Nigeria right from the Old Anambra State, Old Enugu State to the present Ebonyi State; the founder of the first and only indigenous Female Religious Congregation in Abakaliki Catholic Diocese known as Sisters of Jesus the Good Shepherd; the first Indigenous Judicial Vicar and Vicar General of Abakaliki Diocese; the Founding President of Igbo Heritage Regeneration Initiative, a Socio-Cultural Organization; etc.
REV. FR. ALPHONSUS-MARY GUSIORA, SFO
Rev. Fr. Alphonsus-Mary Gusiora, SFO was born to Late Mr. and Mrs Francis Gusiora of Urunnebo Village Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State on 24th July, 1948. He was born to a Catholic home and Catechist father. He began his priestly journey at the age of 17 in Abakaliki, present day Ebonyi State and later finished at the Catholic Diocese of Awka. He was ordained a Catholic priest as a missionary for the Catholic Diocese of Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1983.
His missionary journey took him to Boston, USA, Awka and Nnewi dioceses respectively.
A devotee of Divine Mercy and the Founding Priest of the Nigerian Community (NCC). Rev. Fr. Alphonsus-Mary Gusiora fondly called “Nwagusi” was the second indigenous Catholic priest of Enugwu-Ukwu. He was the Founder of Good Child Schools.
He passed on to glory in Nigeria on Thursday 30th May, 2024, after a brief illness and was buried on 29th June, 2024 at St. Francis Catholic Church, Enugwu-Ukwu.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Chidiebere Jude Ozumba
Rev. Fr. Dr. Chidiebere Jude Ozumba was born to the family of Late Teacher/Cathecist Emmanuel Ozumba and Philomena Ozumba of Umudike Urunnebo Village, Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State. He is a Priest of Catholic Diocese of Awka. He is a humble and a fire brand preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is a good man who is always willing to help anybody who needs direction to the words of God. He was ordained on 21st August 2004 and been serving for over 20 years in the Lord’s Vineyard and serving humanity. Rev. Father Chidi is a teacher of men considering his impacts on various educational centers he has tutored and continue to tutor. He is a die-hard Chelsea fan. He is currently the parish priest of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church Mbaukwu, Awka South LGA Anambra State. He is the Chairman of Enugwu-Ukwu Indigenous Priests.
Rev. Father Hyacinth Aneke
Rev.Father Hyacinth Aneke is from Umuogbu Urunnebo Village, Enugwu-Ukwu. He is a Priest of Catholic Diocese of Awka.
Rev. Father Charles Okoye
Rev. Father Charles Okoye is from Umuogbu Urunnebo Village, Enugwu-Ukwu. He is a priest of Catholic Diocese of Awka. He is currently based in United States of America.
Rev. Father Hyacinth Aneke
Rev.Father Hyacinth Aneke is from Umuogbu Urunnebo Village, Enugwu-Ukwu. He is a Priest of Catholic Diocese of Awka.
Rev. Father Patrick-Mary Decency Afam Dike
Rev. Father Patrick-Mary Decency Afam Dike is from Umudike Urunnebo Village, Enugwu-Ukwu. He is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Dou Burkina Faso. He was ordained a Catholic Priest in 2024.
Rev. Father Festus Anayo Okoye
Rev. Father Festus Anayo Okoye hails from Umuogbuefi Urunnebo Village Enugwu-Ukwu. He is the Parish Priest of All Saints Catholic Church Dutse, Abuja. He is a priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja. He has been a Catholic Priest working in the Lord’s Vineyard serving the people of God and humanity for over 25 years.
Late Chief Dr. Isaac Ekwunife Okekearu
Late Chief Dr. Isaac Ekwunife Okekearu A.K.A. Nzedinobi, Ochinanwata, Nwawelugonnia, was born on October 20th 1948 to the family of Late Chief Chukwuma Nwokoye Okekearu and Mrs. Iyom Nwonu Rita Okekearu of Ufomotiogo, Umunwankwu kindred of Urunnebo Village, Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State Nigeria.
He grew up as every young man of his age. Though he couldn’t finish his primary school education due to some life challenges.
He became young Biafran Army while in his teenage hood, until her mother lamented that he might be killed because he was an only child before she was later blessed with another son, now late. This made him to quit the Biafran Army and became a lorry driver of (911) that earned him nickname (Thickness).
Nzedinobi later sourjourned to Agulueri where he became a farmer, still in search of greener pastures.
In 1969 he got married to Mrs. Agbonma Agatha Okekearu from the family Muoezeadum Umuaba kindred, Urunnebo Village, Enugwu-Ukwu. They were blessed with two children a boy and a girl both who are now late.
He equally married other wives that bore him children.
Nwawelugo became the chief priest of Ngene Nnevoaka in 1970s till his demise on 15th February, 2011.
