New Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese in Anambra State, Reverend Jonas Benson Okoye, has canvassed communal service among Anambra people to assist the youths.
Okoye also urged the business community and prominent personalities to establish a University of Technology and Business School in the state.
The cleric stated this during his installation as second bishop of the diocese at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi, yesterday, following the retirement of the pioneer Emeritus-Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rev. Dr. Hilary Odili Okeke, who has attained the age of 75.
The installation mass was said by Okoye, assisted by the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Antonio Guido Filipazzi and attended by 47 bishops across the country.
He said the university became necessary in view of the enormous potential inherent in the average citizen of the state and those of the industrial city in particular.
He called for cooperation from the clergy and laity to assist him achieve the feat, as well as build community service where they could cater for one another.
Okoye commended Filipazzi for sharing his wisdom to the church in Nigeria, while also thanking church members and friends for their commitment, especially Ifeanyi Ubah towards the completion of the church building, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for support to the mission and schools, among others.
Earlier, Bishop Okeke, commended Okoye and prayed God to guide and direct him in his ministry, just as he thanked the church for supporting him during his service as the pioneer bishop of the 20-year old diocese.
Speaking, Ubah expressed delight over Okoye’s installation as Bishop of Nnewi and sought prayers from all to support him in discharging his ministerial duties.
He also pledged continued support to the church, assuring that the Cathedral would be completed in the shortest possible time.
President of the Nigeria Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and Archbishop of Benin City Archdiocese, Reverend Augustine Akubueze, Bishop of Awka Diocese, Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor and Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Reverend Mathew Kukah, among others, attended the event.
