Catholic Bishop of Wukari Diocese, Most Rev. Mark Maigida Nzekwein
By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
The ordained Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Wukari, Most Rev. Mark Maigida Nzekwein has been tasked to use his new elevation to intercede prayers for quick return of peace in the southern part of the state, just as Pope Francis has congratulated him.
The state Gov Architect Darius Ishaku who made the plea during Episcopal consecration of the new diocese and installation of the first bishop of the catholic diocese of Wukari regretted that the state particularly the southern zone was in dire need for God’s intervention to stop the ongoing menace in the area.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the state government Hon. Anthony Jellason called on Bishop Nzekwein to see his elevation as divine, especially as the state was passing through challenges.
According to him, history has made in the catholic community of the state as the diocese and its pioneer bishop was consecrated the same day.
He thanked Pope Francis, Catholic bishops of Nigeria and all those who made the diocese a reality.
In his charge during installation Pope Francis urged bishop Mark to win souls for Christ as his elevation was divine from the most-high.
Pope Francis represented by principal consecrator and the Homilist, Most Rev. Antonio Huido Filipazzi appreciated Catholic faithful in Nigeria particularly the conference of Nigerian Bishops for ensuring smooth and peaceful installation of the new diocese and bishop respectively.
Pope Francis charged Bishop Mark for unrelenting, pointing out that the task before him was crucial.
In a goodwill message, President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Louis Ugoji said the new diocese was a dream come true considering selfless efforts put in place by the catholic faithful in the area.
He said Bishop Mark, being the pioneer bishop for the diocese, no doubt will bring positive change and rapid development in the diocese.
Others who spoke at the occasion, including Metropolitan Bishop of Jos Diocese, Most Rev. Ishaya Audu, chairman Taraba State Council of traditional rulers and the Aku-Uka Manu Ishaku Adda Ali thanked Pope Francis for making Wukari Catholic Diocese a reality.
According to them, this was an appointed time from God considering facts that the diocese would have established 28 years ago.
They charged the new bishop to continue to intercede in prayers to bring the lost glory back to the people.
Meanwhile in an interview shortly after the installation, the immediate past APC gubernatorial aspirant in Taraba State and prominent son of Jukun land, Chief David Sabo Kente observed that the history making event in Wukari land was a down of a new era considering facts that during period under review particularly between 2022/23 the area has witnessed four major historical things namely, the installation of new Aku-Uka, the victory of the Governor-elect, Agbu Kefas, the establishment of a new teaching hospital and the consecration of the new catholic diocese/installation of new a bishop respectively.
According to the philanthropist, these are signs of good things coming within a short-time compared to the previous era.
Chief Kente, who congratulated the new bishop for coming on board, prayed to God for wisdom to enable him to confront the task ahead of him.
Speaking on the recent crisis at Takum, the former gubernatorial aspirant observed that peace remained the only panacea for development and therefore appealed to warring groups to shield their swords in the interest of peace for the common good of the people.
