Nnewi Diocese Insists Ifeanyi Ubah Was Recognised

The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has dismissed claims that the contributions of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to the construction of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral were ignored during its dedication ceremony.

The diocese was responding to allegations credited to one James Okoye, who claimed that the church failed to acknowledge Ubah’s role in the cathedral project.

Reacting, the Publicity Chairman of the Cathedral Dedication Committee, Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghulor, said the diocese fully recognised and appreciated the immense contributions of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and other benefactors toward the completion of the cathedral.

According to him, preparations for the dedication ceremony included special prayers acknowledging benefactors and remembering deceased contributors, including Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Ajulu Uzodike, both founding members of the cathedral building committee.

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

He clarified, however, that while Ubah was a major benefactor, he neither singlehandedly built the cathedral nor initiated the project.

Fr. Aghulor further explained that contributions to the church are not made for public acclaim or monument engravings, stressing that appreciation within the church is spiritual and continuous.

“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.

He added that more than 20 churches within the diocese have been built by individuals without public immortalisation.

“As at the last count, 20 churches have been built by individuals in the diocese, and none of them has been immortalised with monuments,” he said. “The church, however, has its own way of honouring benefactors across its 147 parishes.”

Fr. Aghulor emphasised that recognition in the church differs from government practices, noting that gratitude for contributions to God’s work goes beyond ceremonial acknowledgements.