List of influential Igbo religious leaders

The Southeast region of Nigeria is home to numerous influential Igbo religious leaders who have significantly shaped the spiritual and social landscape of the area. Below is an expanded list of notable figures, including bishops, rectors, and other prominent religious personalities:​

Catholic Bishops in the Southeast Dioceses:

1. Most Reverend Valerian Maduka Okeke: Serving as the Archbishop of the Onitsha Archdiocese since 2003, Archbishop Okeke has been instrumental in expanding the number of parishes and enhancing educational institutions within the archdiocese. ​

2. Most Reverend Godfrey Igwebuike Onah: Appointed as the Bishop of the Nsukka Diocese in 2013, Bishop Onah has focused on pastoral care and educational development within the diocese.​

3. Most Reverend Hilary Paul Odili Okeke: Bishop Emeritus of the Nnewi Diocese, having served from 2002 until his retirement in 2019, Bishop Okeke played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the diocese.​

4. Most Reverend Michael Okoro: Bishop Emeritus of the Abakaliki Diocese, serving from 1997 until his retirement in 2021, Bishop Okoro was known for his commitment to evangelization and social justice.​

5. Most Reverend Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma: Appointed as the Bishop of the Orlu Diocese in 2008, Bishop Ukwuoma has been active in promoting vocations and strengthening Catholic education.​

Rectors of Major Seminaries in the Southeast:

1. Very Reverend Father Albert Ikpenwa: Rector of Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu, one of the largest seminaries in Africa, known for its rigorous academic and spiritual formation programs.​

2. Very Reverend Father Francis Igboanugo: Rector of Seat of Wisdom Seminary in Owerri, which plays a crucial role in the formation of future priests in the region.​en.wikipedia.org

Other Influential Religious Leaders:

1. Reverend Father Ejike Camillus Anthony Ebenezer Mbaka: Commonly known as Father Mbaka, he is the founder of the Adoration Ministries Enugu Nigeria (AMEN). Renowned for his dynamic preaching, prophetic declarations, and vocal involvement in political matters, Father Mbaka has been a prominent religious figure in the region. ​en.wikipedia.org

2. Reverend Father Emmanuel Obimma (Ebube Muonso): As the founder of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry in Uke, Anambra State, Father Obimma is recognized for his charismatic healing services and active engagement in community development. His ministry has attracted a large following, making him a significant spiritual leader in the Southeast.​

3. Reverend Father Emmanuel Matthew Paul Edeh: Known for establishing the Pilgrimage Centre of Eucharistic Adoration and Special Marian Devotion in Elele, Rivers State, and founding educational institutions like Madonna University and Caritas University, Father Edeh has made substantial contributions to education and spiritual growth in the region.​

4. Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji: Serving as the Archbishop of the Owerri Archdiocese since 2022, Archbishop Ugorji has been a prominent figure in promoting peace and interreligious dialogue.​

5. Most Reverend Peter Ebere Okpaleke: Appointed as the Bishop of the Ekwulobia Diocese in 2020, Bishop Okpaleke was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2022, becoming a significant figure in the global Catholic Church.​

Pentecostal and Evangelical Leaders:

• Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere (Odumeje): Founder of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry in Onitsha, Anambra State, Prophet Odumeje is known for his unconventional healing and deliverance services, attracting a significant following.​

• Evangelist Ebuka Obi (Ebuka Obi): Leader of the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, Evangelist Obi is recognized for his prophetic ministry and large evangelical gatherings across the Southeast.​

• Pastor David Ibiyeomie: Founder and senior pastor of Salvation Ministries, with its headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Pastor Ibiyeomie has established one of the fastest-growing Pentecostal churches in Nigeria, with branches across the country.​

• Pastor Paul Enenche: Senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, which has a significant presence in the Southeast, Pastor Enenche is known for his dynamic preaching and healing ministry.​

Anglican Clergy:

• Most Reverend Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba: Serving as the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) since 2020, Archbishop Ndukuba has provided leadership to the Anglican community nationwide, including the Southeast.​en.wikipedia.org

• Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma: Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Enugu and Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Archbishop Chukwuma has been active in social justice issues and community development.​

These leaders have played pivotal roles in shaping the religious, educational, and social landscapes of Southeast Nigeria through their ministries, educational initiatives, and community engagements.

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