MOST REV. JOHN N. NIYIRING OSA
Date of Birth: June 4, 1960 Priestly Ordination: July 11, 1992 Episcopal Ordination: 13th May, 2008 Address: Bishop’s House, 19 Race Course Rd Nassarawa G.R.A. Box 1111 5, Kano P.h: 08037433244 Email: [email protected]
STATISTICS AT-A-GLANCE
First Missionary Msgr Oswald Waller SMA First Mass in Diocese 1915 First Bishop Rt Rev. Dr Patrick F. Sheehan OSA Population of the Diocese 18,954,290
Catholic Population 149,650 Nigerian Priests 44 Missionary Priests 10 Nigerian Sisters 15 Major Seminarians 24
The official history of the Catholic Diocese of Kano began in the second
decade of the Twentieth Century. By 1915, many Catholics have been resident in Kano. The first Baptism, which was that of Anna Beecroft, administered by Fr Alphonse Berlioux, a priest from Lokoja, took place on 24th August, 1915 as recorded in the Baptism Register of St Joseph Parish, Kaduna.
Also between 1916 and 1918, another priest, Fr Berengario Cermenati paid several visits to Kano. However, Oral and written history witness that Christianity entered Kano in the 16th century “through the trans-Saharan trade routes, which were patronized by Christian communities of the River Nile region”. A recorded attempt was by a Franciscan Friar, Brother Peter Farde (OFM) from Belgium in 1688, who was captured at Sea and made to become a slave to a Muslim master in Agadez, North of Kano”.
The official founder of the Catholic Church in Kano was Msgr Oswald Waller SMA, who paid his first visit to Kano on December 15th, 1918. This first visit was precipitated by the call of Catholic Clerks and traders resident in Kano, who had began to make series of requests for the building of a Catholic Church in Kano.
After his visit, Msgr Waller SMA applied for the permission to build a Church in Kano in 1919. This request was granted on13th April, 1922. It is on that note, that the first Church of the Diocese, St. Elizabeth Church, was built and officially Commissioned on 3rd May, 1925 alongside the first priests’ resident in Kano “Bethany House” by the Prefect Apostolic Msgr O. Waller SMA. With his health
MOST REV. JOHN N. NIYIRING OSA
Date of Birth: June 4, 1960 Priestly Ordination: July 11, 1992 Episcopal Ordination: 13th May, 2008 Address: Bishop’s House, 19 Race Course Rd Nassarawa G.R.A. Box 1111 5, Kano P.h: 08037433244 Email: [email protected]
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE
KANO DIOCESE
Province: Kaduna Erection: July 16, 1999challenges increasing, Msgr Waller SMA returned to France for treatment, while Fr. Alphonse Schahl SMA joined as Pro-Prefect.
In 1929, Kano became the headquarters of the Prefecture of Northern Nigeria, which embraced all Nigeria North of Rivers Niger and Benue, with Msgr Francis O’Rourke SMA as Prefect Apostolic. From thence until after independence, the Church in Kano could not make any meaningful progress among indigenes.
In 1934, when the political headquarters of the Northern Nigeria moved from Zungeru to Kaduna, Kano Prefecture, which is the first Prefecture of the Northern Nigeria, was divided into the Prefectures of Kaduna and Jos, and Kano lost its position as the Apostolic Prefecture of Northern Nigeria to Kaduna. As Kano mission fell under Kaduna Prefecture, Msgr Thomas Hughes SMA, who stayed briefly in Kano, moved to Kaduna, the new headquarters as the Prefect Apostolic.
In October 1991, Kano was carved out of the Archdiocese of Kaduna as an independent Mission (Missio Sui Juris). And Revd. Fr. John Francis Brown SMA was appointed its superior. This independence “made Kano to rise up to the new demands and challenges. Kano became an Apostolic Vicariate in 1996, with Bishop Patrick Sheehan OSA who was transferred from Yola Diocese, as local ordinary. Kano was made a Diocese in July 1999 with Bishop Patrick F.
Sheehan OSA as it first bishop. In
1997, Kano broke records with the priestly ordination of the first indigene, Fr. Maurice Koli Hassan, from Nasarawan Kuki, who was baptized as an infant by Fr. Sean Hayes SMA in 1970. On June 26th 1999, the second Maguzawa priest, Fr. Linus Ubale was ordained. Ubale was from Refawa Parish, founded by Fr. Michael Waters on the outskirts of Kano. On July 16th, 1999, Kano became a Diocese, with Rt Revd Patrick Francis Sheehan OSA as first Bishop.
Bishop Sheehan OSA, who died on 13th November, 2012, retired in 2008.
He was then succeeded by Rt Revd Dr John Namaza Niyiring OSA, who was consecrated and installed as Bishop of Kano on May 13th 2008. Bishop John Namaza Niyiring OSA, a Nigerian Augustinian, is today the second but the first Nigerian Bishop of Kano.
Bishop John Niyiring OSA, within the few years of his coming has expanded pastoral activities into the interior parts of the diocese. Kano has been blessed today with increase in vocation on the part of the indigenes, followed by education and economic empowerment.
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS
Vicar General / Cathedral Administrator Very Rev. Fr Michael Adefemi Adegbola Diocesan Chancellor Very Revd Fr Maurice Koli Hassan Board of Consultors 1. Rt. Revd Dr John Namaza Niyiring OSA -President 2. Very Revd Fr Michael Adefemi Adegbola -Vicar General Cathedral Administrator 3. Very Revd Fr Maurice Koli Hassan – Diocesan Chancellor 4. Very Revd Fr David Jakos OSA- Vicar for Religious 5. Very Revd Fr Tom Treacy SMA – Dean of Kano City North 6. Very Revd Fr James Gajere – Dean of Dutse 7. Very Revd Fr Augustine Nnadi – Dean of Kano City South 8. Very Revd Fr Linus Ubale – Dean of Tudun Wada Diocesan Secretary: Rev. Fr. Markus Audu (07039216873)
Vicar For Religious: Very Rev. Fr. David Jakos OSA (08039209876)
Liturgy Commission: Rev. Fr. Habila Musa (08036082252)
Vocations Director:
Rev. Fr. Michael Onoja (08069108974)
Justice, Development And Peace Commission: Revd Fr. Anthony Danja (08162945092)
Sir Mark Asuobi KSM JDPC Project Coordinator (08035868592)
Health Commission: Very Revd Fr Michael Adefemi Adegbola (08034635615)
Counseling Services: Very Revd Fr James Gajere (08035872047)
Religious Education: Sr Mary Goteng OLF (08032675548)
Marriage Tribunal: Very Revd Fr Maurice Koli Hassan (08033294323)
Social Communications: Very Revd Fr Augustine Nnadi (08032360440)
Pontifical Missions: Revd Fr Habila Musa (08036082252)
Fidei Donum Priests: 1. Revd Fr Bernard Yashim 19/07/2008
2. Revd Fr Gabriel Ikor 28/08/2010
3. Revd Fr Shaphan Zira 01/07/2011Male Religious In The Diocese 1. Very Revd Fr Tom Treacy, SMA; 16/12/1970
2. Revd Fr Cornel-mario Abi, SMA 04/07/1998
3. Revd Fr Elisee Attiogbe SMA 4. Revd Fr John Okafor, OSA 18/06/1988
5. Very Revd Fr David Jakos, OSA 28/07/1990
6. Revd Fr Caius F. Kakaba, OSA 29/06/2011
7. Revd Fr Emmanuel C Chinedu, SMMM 26/06/2014
Police Chaplaincy: 1. Revd. Fr (ASP) Philip Kaka Bulus 15/03/2003 2. Revd Fr (ASP) Julius Kabuk 25/06/2005
Army Chaplaincy: 1. Revd Fr Chukwudi Onumajuru 15/08/2006
Airforce Chaplaincy: 1. Revd Fr Anthony Okorie Indigeneous Priests outside the Diocese: 1. Revd. Fr Marinus Iwuchukwu 2. Revd. Fr Joseph Idomele 3. Revd. Fr Patrick Hassanampani 4. Revd. Fr Emmanuel Mbah 5. Revd. Fr Peter Ebidero 6. Revd. Fr Barnabas Samaila 7. Revd. Fr Solomon Arong 8. Revd. Fr Alex Shukau 9. Revd. Fr Emmanuel Ikpekha 10. Revd. Fr Luka Markus 11. Revd. Fr Joseph Salihu 12. Revd Fr James Aminu 13. Revd Fr Anthony Danja Mato 14. Revd Fr Julian Okafor
Female Religious in the Diocese 1. Sr Christy Ibiang SSL 2. Sr Christiana Biyab SSL 3. Sr Catherine Fafila SSL 4. Sr Eunice Abiriyi SSL 5. Sr Augusta Ozor SSL 6. Sr Grace Abaukaka SSL 7. Sr Roseline Ashinaah James SSL 8. Sr Regina Utre OLF 9. Sr Mary Goteb OLF 10. Sr Pauline Onwe, DC 11. Sr Patriciamary Ezissi, DC 12. Sr Stella Agbawa, DC 13. Sr Pat Ezeokoye DMMM 14. Sr Cajetan Eke DMMM 15. Sr Christianan Eze, DMMM Diocesan Educational Institutions Rev Fr Habila Musa Principal of St Thomas Secondary School Rev Fr Martin Maichiki Rector of Emmanuel Minor Seminary Sr Catherine Fafila SLS Principal of St Louis Secondary School Sr Christiana Biyab SLS Headmistress St Louis Nursery & Primary Sr Regina Utre OLF Headmistress Our Lady of Fatima School Mr Bala Gomna Principal of Yahaya Dutse Secondary School Sr Christiana Eze, DMMM Headmistress of Divine Mercy Nur & Primary
Groups / Societies and Their Chaplains/Spiritual Directors Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria Very Rev Fr James Gajere Fr. Vitalis Uba (Assistant)CMO/Z/Maza Very Rev Fr D. Jakos, OSA Rev Fr Gabriel Auta (Assistant) CWO/Z/Mata Rev Fr J. Okafor Rev Fr A. Makama (Assistant) Sr Mary Goteng (Assistant) Catholic Charismatic Renewal Very Fr Adolphus Nwachukwu Catholic Holy Name Fellowship Very Rev Fr Maurice Hassan Guild of St Anthony Society Rev Fr Mathias Yambwata Catholic Schools: Diocesan/ Private Very Rev Fr Augustine Nnadi St Vincent De Paul Very Rev Fr Tom Treacy, SMA Catholic Scout Association Rev Fr Martin Maichiki Holy Childhood/YCS Rev Fr. James Inusa Aminu Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria Fr Felix Yari (Acting) Sr Christiana (Assistant) Confraternity of Christian Mothers Rev Fr Bernard Yashim Rev Fr. Michael Onoja (Assistant) Diocesan Choir Rev Fr Jerome Rojers Iyeh Catholic Corpers (Kano) Rev Fr Augustine Unemhinlin
Prisons Rev Fr Marcus D. Audu Sr Mary Goteng, OLF (Assistant)
Association of Altar Servers Rev Fr David Tanko Men of Order and Discipline (MOD) Rev Fr Habila Musa Rev Fr. Martin Maichiki (Assistant) Divine Mercy Rev Fr Emmanuel Chinedu SMMM Catholic Biblical Apostolate Very Rev Fr Augustine Nnadi Knight of St Mulumba Rev Fr Habila Musa Legion of Mary Rev Fr Emmanuel Chinedu SMMM
Blue Army Rev Fr Emmanuel Chinedu SMMM Catholic Corpers (Jigawa) Rev Fr
Block Rosary Crusade Rev Fr Emmanuel Chinedu SMMM Association of Sacred Heart of Jesus/ Apostleship of Prayer Fr Samson Adoyi Guild of Papal Knight (KSG/KSS) Very Rev Fr Michael Agdebola Knight of St John International (KSJ) Very Rev Fr Michael Agdebola Precious Blood Rev Fr Samson Adoyi
DEANERIES / PARISHES/ DEANS
AND PRIESTS
Kano City-South Deanery Parishes 1. St. Thomas, Airport Road2. St. Louis, Bompai 3. Holy Cross, Badawa 4. St Augustine’s Chalawa 5. St Stephen, Buk/ Fce 6. Holy Trinity, Zoo Road 7. All Saints, Zango 8. St Philip’s, Bompai Priests / Religious 1. Dean: Very Revd Fr Augustine Nnadi 2. Very Revd Fr Maurice Koli Hassan 3. Revd Fr Adolphus Nwachukwu 4. Revd Fr Matthew Mato Danlami 5. Revd Fr Emmanuel Chinedu SMMM
6. Revd Fr Michael Onoja 7. Revd Fr Martin Maichiki 8. Revd Fr Markus Audu 9. Revd Fr Felix Yari 10. Revd Fr Kefas Ayuba 11. Revd Fr Emmanuel Sarki 12. Sisters Of St Louis Kano City North Deanery Parishes 1. Our Lady Of Fatima Cathedral 2. St Charles, Nomansland 3. St Rita, Aminu Road 4. St Jude, Bukavu 5. St Patrick’s Hotoro 6. Christ The King, Naibawa 7. Our Lady Of Apostle, Wudil 8. Immaculate Heart, Gezawa 9. Our Lady Of Good Counsel 10. Blessed Tansi 11. St Peter’s Polac 12. St Joseph’s Naf Base 13. St Mary’s Bachirawa Priests / Religious 1. Dean: Very Revd Fr Tom Treacy, SMA
2. Very Revd Fr Michael Adegbola
3. Very Revd Fr David Jakos, OSA 4. Revd Fr Habila Musa 5. Revd Fr Julian Okafor 6. Revd Fr John Okafor, OSA 7. Revd Fr Caius F. Kakaba, OSA 8. Revd Fr (asp) Julius Kabuk 9. Revd Fr (asp) Philip Kaka Bulus 10. Revd Fr Chukwudi Onumajura 11. Revd Fr Jerome Iyeh 12. Revd Fr Gabriel Ikor 13. Revd Fr (Wing Commander) John Okorie 14. Revd Fr Isaiah Patrick 15. Revd Fr Micheal Onoja 16. Revd Fr Vitalis Uba 17. Revd Fr Kefas Ayuba 18. Revd Fr Emmanuel Sarki 20. Our Lady Of Fatima Sisters Tudun Wada Deanery Parishes 1. St Anthony’s Kwanar Jajaye 2. St Mary’s Tudun Wada 3. St Mary’s Rahama Rawun 4. St Malachi Nasarawan Kuki 5. Holy Family, Dokan Sati 6. St Anthony’s Refawa 7. St Joseph’s Jitan Dutse 8. St Peter’s Gamashina 9. Queen Of Apostles Bakin-nana 10. St John’s Magami Pastoral Area Priests / Religious 1. Dean: Very Revd Fr Linus Ubale 2. Revd Fr Emmanuel Korau 3. Revd Fr Monday Ogbe 4. Revd Fr Bernard Yashim 5. Revd Fr Shaphan Zira 6. Revd Fr Abraham Ameh 7. Revd Fr Gabriel Auta 8. Revdfr Bernard Yashim 9. Revd Fr Micheal Adebo 10. Revd Fr Gospel Julius 11 Revd Fr Samson Adoyi 12. Daughters Of Charity SistersDutse Deanery Parishes 1. Christ The King Dutse 2. St Theresa’s Hadejia 3. St John’s Birnin Kudu 4. St Peter’s Kazaure 5. Sacred Heart, Gumel Priests / Religious 1. Dean: Very Revd Fr James Gajere 2. Revd Fr Anthony Makama 3. Revd Fr Patrick Garmache 4. Revd Fr Linus Barau 5. Revd Fr Mathias Yambwata 6. Revd Fr Augustine Unemhinlin 7. Daughters Of Mary Mother Of Mercy Fidei Donum Priests 1. Revd Fr Bernard Yashim 19/07/2008
2. Revd Fr Gabriel Ikor 28/08/2010
3. Revd Fr Shaphan Zira 01/07/2011
Men-Religious In The Diocese 1. Very Revd Fr Tom Treacy, SMA 16/12/1970
2. Revd Fr Cornel-Mario Abi, SMA 04/07/1998
3. Revd Fr Elisee Attiogbe SMA 4. Revd Fr John Okafor, OSA 18/06/1988
5. Very Revd Fr David Jakos, Osa 28/07/1990 6. Revd Fr Caius F. Kakaba, OSA 29/06/2011
7. Revd Fr Emmanuel C Chinedu, SMMM 26/06/2014
Police Chaplaincy 1. Revd. Fr (ASP) Philip Kaka
Bulus 15/03/2003 2. Revd Fr (ASP) Julius Kabuk 25/06/2005
Military Chaplaincy 1. Revd Fr Chukwudi Onumajuru 15/08/2006
Airforce Chaplaincy 1. Revd. Fr Anthony Okorie Priests Outside The Diocese 1. Revd. Fr Maurinus Iwuchukwu 2. Revd. Fr Joseph Idomele 3. Revd. Fr Patrick Hassanampani 4. Revd. Fr Emmanuel Mbah 5. Revd. Fr Peter Ebidero 6. Revd. Fr Barnabas Samaila 7. Revd. Fr Solomon Arong 8. Revd. Fr Alex Shukau 9. Revd. Fr Emmanuel Ikpekha 10. Revd. Fr Luka Markus 11. Revd. Fr Joseph Salihu 12. Revd Fr James Aminu 13. Revd Fr Anthony Danja Mato 14. Revd Fr Julian Okafor Religious Sisters In The Diocese 1. Sr Christy Ibiang SLS 2. Sr Christiana Biyab SLS 3. Sr Catherine Fafila SLS 4. Sr Eunice Abiriyi SLS 5. Sr Augusta Ozor SLS 6. Sr Grace Abaukaka SLS 7. Sr Roseline Ashinaah James SLS
8. Sr Regina Utre OLF 9. Sr Mary Goteb OLF 10. Sr Pauline Onwe, DC 11. Sr Patricia mary Ezissi, DC 12. Sr Stella Agbawa, DC 13. Sr Pat Ezeokoye DMMM 14. Sr Cajetan Eke DMMM 15. Sr Christianan Eze, DMMM Indigeneous Priests of The Catholic Diocese of Kano 1. Revd Fr James Gajere 11/11/1988
2. Revd Fr Julian Okafor 11/11/1988
3. Revd Fr Marinus Nwachukwu 01/12/1990
4. Revd Fr Barnabas Samaila 14/11/1992
5. Revd Fr Anthony Makama 14/11/1992
6. Revd Fr Peter Ebidero 02/07/1994
7. Revd Fr Joseph Salihu 02/07/1994
8. Revd Fr Linus Barau 18/11/1995
9. Revd Fr Michael Adegbola 18/11/1995
10. Revd Fr Patrick Garmache 18/11/1995
11. Revd Fr Emmanuel Korau 18/11/1995
12. Revd Joseph Idomele 18/11/1995
13. Revd Fr Maurice Hassan 05/07/1997
14. Revd Fr Augustine Nnadi 26/06/1999
15. Revd Fr Linus Ubale 26/06/1999
16. Revd Fr Patrick Hassan John 30/06/2001
17. Revd Fr Adolphus Nwachukwu 05/07/2003
18. Revd Fr Mathias Yambwata 05/07/2003
19. Revd Fr Solomon Arong 05/07/2003
20. Revd Fr Habila Musa 10/07/2004
21. Revd Fr Emmanuel Ikpekha 25/06/2005
22. Revd Fr Monday Ogbe 25/06/2005
23. Revd Fr Jerome Rogers Iyeh
25/06/2005
24. Revd Fr Emmanuel Mbah 24/06/2006
25. Revd Fr Abraham Ameh 12/07/2008
26. Revd Fr Luka Markus Barau 12/07/2008
27. Revd Fr Gabriel Auta 27/06/2009
28. Revd Fr Isaiah Patrick 27/06/2009
29. Revd Fr Alex Shukau 03/07/2010
30. Revd Fr Martin Maichiki 03/07/2010
31. Revd Fr Michael Onoja 20/08/2011
32. Revd Fr Felix Yari 20/08/2011
33. Revd Fr Gospel Julius 20/08/2011
34. Revd Samson Adoyi 01/09/2012
35. Revd Fr Michael Adebo 01/09/2012
36. Revd Fr Augustine Unemhinlin 01/09/2012
37. Revd Fr Aminu James Inusa 12/07/2014
38. Revd Fr Anthony Danja Mato 12/07/2014
39. Revd Fr Vitalis Tochukwu Ubah 12/07/2014
40. Revd Fr Marcus Dan’asabe Audu 12/07/2014
41. Revd Fr Amos Wada Musa 11/07/2015
42. Revd Fr Mato Mathew Danlami 11/07/2015
43. Revd Fr Kefas Ninyio Ayuba 11/07/2015
44. Revd Fr Emmanuel Shehu Sarki 20/08/2016