Catholic Diocese of Makurdi gets new Bishop

Catholic Diocese of Makurdi has ordained a co-adjutor Bishop, Monsignor Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe (CMF) to take over form ailing Bishop Athanasius Usuh who is also due to retire any moment.

With his Episcopal ordination as the Co-adjutor Bishop of the Diocese, Monsignor Anagbe now occupies the 21st position among the living Claretian Bishops in the Catholic Church worldwide, and the second Claretian to be appointed Bishop during the Pontificate of Pope Francis as well as the Claretian Bishop in the Nigerian Catholic Church.

Monsignor Anagbe now has the automatic right to succeed the ailing Bishop of the Diocese, Most Revd. Athanasius Atule Usuh in the event that he (Usuh) passes on or resigns.

Speaking at the occasion, the Archbishop of Abuja Diocese Cardinal John Onaiyekan praised Bishop Usuh for laying a solid foundation in the course of piloting the affairs of church in the state that led to the emergence of two Dioceses in the state.

Cardinal Onaiyekan assured the newly ordained Bishop of his continued support and that of the church, and prayed God to equip him with the needed wisdom to lead the flock of God.

Governor Gabriel Suswam who acknowledged the contributions of the church in the area of education, social and charity works, appreciated Bishop Usuh for his spirit of ecumenism and described him as a true servant of God.

Suswam said while other men of God are struggling to perpetuate themselves into power, Bishop Usuh has gladly relinquished power to somebody else amidst contending interests.