By Stella Enenche, Abuja
Pope Francis has named Bishop Simeon Nwobi, as the substantive Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, Imo State.
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Bishop Nwobi who was born on 25th March, 1960, in Eziama Oparanadim Ekwereazu,was on the 14th October, 2023, appointed Titular Bishop of Rusgunie and Auxiliary Bishop of the Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of Ahiara (Nigeria).
He received his episcopal consecration on the 19th of December, 2023.
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.
Nwobi made his Perpetual Profession on 11th September, 1988, and was ordained a Priest on 21st July, 1990, for his congregation.
The Bishop holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) 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 (NOUN).
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);
The Most Reverend was also 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).
