Date of Birth: December 10,1959 Priestly Ordination: July 24, 1993 Episcopal Ordination: January 6, 2007 Address: Bishop’s House, Box 2717, Uyo, Akwa- Ibom State.
Ph: 08074003647
STATISTICS AT-A-GLANCE
First Missionary Fr. Leon Lena First Mass(Ekeya ) 1905 First Bishop: His Grace Most Rev. Dr.
Joseph E. Ekuwem Catholic Population: 831,578 Number of Priests: 128 Number of Religious Priests: 5 Senior Seminarians: 89 Catechists: 508
Minor Seminarians: 298 Male Religious House: 2 Female Religious Houses: 13 Parishes: 72 Chaplaincies: 8
he initial contact of what is presently Uyo Diocese with Catholicism came
T
through the activities of some missionary Priests, the Holy Ghost Fathers.In the early twentieth century these missionary priests led by Rev. Fr.
Alexander Leon Jejune, arrived Calabar in 1903 from Onitsha where they first settled by the Niger at the site of the present Holy Trinity Basilica. At the time of their arrival in Calabar in 1903, Calabar was a business centre for European traders. Besides, it was also a great centre for their missionary activities. Several indigenes of what is now Uyo Diocese lived and undertook certain commercial activities in Calabar at this time. Some of these (such as Sam Ikpe Inuk) are said to have invited some of the missionaries at Calabar to visit some communities in what is now Uyo Diocese. Rev. Fr. Leon Lena was the first to honour the invitation.
He was later followed by Rev. Fr. Joseph Kraft, Rev. Fr. Paul Beechy and Rev. Fr.
Philip O’Connor.
In 1934, the provinces of Calabar, Annang, Uyo, Ogoja and Abakiliki (as they were then called) were detached from the vicariate of Southern Nigeria and Constituted into the Prefecture of Calabar. In 1938, Ogoja and Abakiliki were taken out to form the Prefecture of Ogoja. Calabar became an Apostolic vicariate in 1947 and a diocese in 1950. Ogoja became a diocese in 1963 and gave birth to Abakiliki Diocese in 1973. Ikot Ekpene (Annang province) was born out of Calabar in 1963.
This arrangement left Uyo still under the then Calabar Diocese. Uyo was often referred to then as the mainland area of Calabar Diocese.
MOST REV. JOHN EBEBE AYAH
Date of Birth: December 10,1959 Priestly Ordination: July 24, 1993 Episcopal Ordination: January 6, 2007 Address: Bishop’s House, Box 2717, Uyo, Akwa- Ibom State.
Ph: 08074003647
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE
UYO DIOCESE
Province: Calabar Erection: July 4, 1989However, on July 4, 1989, Pope John Paul II formally erected Uyo Diocese when he signed the bull excising from Calabar Diocese and constituted it into a diocese. Rev. Fr. Joseph Effiong Ekuwem was named its pioneer bishop. He was consecrated bishop on December 9th, 1989 by His Excellency, Archbishop Paul Tabet, then Papal Nuncio to Nigeria.
Uyo Diocese is one of the two dioceses of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; the other being Ikot Ekpene Diocese. It occupies 23 of the 31 Local Government Areas of the State, which has a total land mass of about 3.92 million (based on 2006 National Population Census). Since its creation, the diocese has grown from strength to strength spiritually, pastorally and physically with visible structures as empirical proofs.
The present local ordinary of the diocese is Most Rev. John Ebebe Ayah, who took over from its pioneer Bishop, Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem on his elevation to the Metropolitan See of Calabar as Archbishop. Bishop John Ayah was formerly the Bishop of Ogoja Diocese before he was transferred to Uyo.
Names of All The Priests of Uyo Diocese and Their Year Of Ordination S/n Priest Year of Ordination 1. Fr. W.W. Bassey 20th December, 1970 2. Fr. Felix Ekong 8th December, 1973 3. Fr. Pius Okon 8th December, 1976 4. Fr. Benedict Emeh 10th December, 1977 5. Fr. Leo Etim 10th December, 1977 6. Fr. Michael Ekpenyong 10th December, 1977 7. Fr. Sylvanus Udoidem 10th December, 1977 8. Fr. Aloysius Isua *8th July, 1978 9. Fr. Anthony Akwaowo 8th July, 1978 10. Fr. Augustus Effiong 8th July, 1978 11. Fr. John D. Inyang 30th June, 1979 12. Most Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Ekuwem 30th June, 1979 13. Fr. Emmanuel Ating 26th July, 1980 14. Fr. Ephraim Offiong 10th January, 1981 15. Fr. John P. Udo 20th June, 1981 16. Fr. Michael Bassey 7th July, 1981 17. Fr. Paul Nyong 7th July, 1981 18. Fr. Michael Idobo 14th February, 1982 19. Fr. Columbanus Udofia 21st September, 1985 20. Fr. Patrick Mbaba 21st September, 1985 21. Fr. Emmanuel Etim 26th October, 1985 22. Fr. Christopher Emah 4th July, 1987 23. Fr. Donatus Udoette 4th July, 1987 24. Fr. Felix Akpan 11th July, 1987 25. Fr. Francis Essien 11th July, 1987 26. Fr. Christopher Inyang 4th June, 1988 27. Fr. Basil Ekot 13th August, 1988 28. Fr. Emmanuel Nyong 13th August, 1988 29. Fr. Ernest Udoh 13th August, 1988 30. Fr. Anthony Ekong 20th May, 1989 31. Fr. Emmanuel Efiok Efiong 20th May, 1989 32. Fr. Ephraim Asanausung 17th November, 1990 33. Fr. Godfrey Ukpabio 17th November, 1990 34. Fr. Justin Udoma 29th May, 1993 35. Fr. Patrick Udotai 29th May, 1993 36. Fr. Paulinus Umanah 29th May, 1993 37. Fr. Ray Maria Umoh 15th May, 1993 38. Fr. Anthony Odiong 13th November, 199339. Fr. Dominic Essien 13th November, 1993 40. Fr. Dominic Udosen 13th November, 1993 41. Fr. John Nkereuwem 13th November, 1993 42. Fr. Martin Akpan 13th November, 1993 43. Fr. Michael Udoh 13th November, 1993 44. Fr. Victor Edet 13th November, 1993 45. Fr. Ephraim Ukpe 11th December, 1994 46. Fr. Cletus Ubon Etim 23rd November, 1996 47. Fr. Malachy Akpan 23rd November, 1996 48. Fr. Agapetus Bassey 14th September, 1997 49. Fr. Alphonsus Uboh 14th September, 1997 50. Fr. Eugene Nyong 14th September, 1997 51. Fr. Isidore Akpan 14th September, 1997 52. Fr. Michael Etim 14th September, 1997 53. Fr. Anthony Abel 13th September, 1998 54. Fr. Donatus Ukpong 13th September, 1998 55. Fr. Charles Essien 14th August, 1999 56. Fr. Richard Edet 14th August, 1999 57. Fr. Emmanuel Udoh 23rd October, 1999 58. Fr. Innocent Uko 23rd October, 1999 59. Fr. Gabriel Ekong 11th December, 1999 60. Fr. Anthony P. Edet 7th July, 2001 61. Fr. Charles Bassey 7th July, 2001 62. Fr. James Ekpenyong 7th July, 2001 63. Fr. Paul Mendie 7th July, 2001 64. Fr. Michael U. Akpan 26th January, 2002 65. Fr. Anthony A. Okon 6th July, 2002 66. Fr. Maurice Mbeke 27th July, 2002 67. Fr. Clement Nkereuwem 28th September, 2002 68. Fr. Patrick Umosen 7th September, 2002 69. Fr. Abasiediusung Edet 19th December 2003 70. Fr. Lawrence Afahanam 19th December, 2003 71. Fr. Patrick Edet 19th December 2003 72. Fr. Charles E. Peters 4th June, 2004 73. Fr. Jude Etim 18th December, 2004 74. Fr. Livinus Anweting 18th December, 2004 75. Fr. Paul Uwemedimo 18th December, 2004 76. Fr. Paul Eniekop Philip C.M. 2005 77. Fr. Anietie Udoh 22nd December, 2007 78. Fr. Michael Akene 22nd December, 2007 79. Fr. Joseph Edim 27th December, 2008 80. Fr. Anthony Edet Okon 31st January, 2009 81. Fr. Anthony Raphael Etuk 21st February, 2009 82. Fr. Pius Udoh 20th June, 200983. Fr. Solomon Inwang 14th November, 2009 84. Fr. Anthony Umoh 2009 85. Fr. Charles Asuquo 19th June, 2010 86. Fr. Dominic Akpakpan 19th June, 2010 87. Fr. Francis Asuquo 19th June, 2010 88. Fr. Francis Ubong 19th June, 2010 89. Fr. Godwin Elijah 19th June, 2010 90. Fr. Linus Uwah 19th June, 2010 91. Fr. Sylvanus Okon 19th June, 2010 92. Fr. Sylvester Ebek 19th June, 2010 93. Fr. Brian Brown 25th September, 2010 94. Fr. Enobong Udoidiong 25th September, 2010 95. Fr. Maurice Akpabio 25th September, 2010 96. Fr. Victor Nworgu 25th September, 2010 97. Fr. Edidiong Ekefre 3rd September, 2011 98. Fr. Michael Inyang 3rd September, 2011 99. Fr. Samuel Edem 3rd September, 2011 100. Fr. Andinyene Udofia 29th September, 2012 101. Fr. Anwana-Abasi Essien 29th September, 2012 102. Fr. Clement Ekong 29th September, 2012 103. Fr. Inemesit Akpan 29th September, 2012 104. Fr. Iniobong Udonkang 29th September, 2012 105. Fr. Louis Edet 29th September, 2012 106. Fr. Raphael Essien 29th September, 2012 107. Fr. Sylvanus Ebong 29th September, 2012 108. FFr. Charles S. Effiong – Ekpoumoh 31st August, 2013 109. Fr. Patrick Francis Essien 31st August, 2013 110. Fr. Charles Emmanuel Bassey 31st August, 2013 111. Fr. Benedict Joseph Iwatt 21st September, 2013 112. Fr. Nicholas Bassey Effanga 21st September, 2013 113. Fr. Cyril Uduakobong Akpan 21st September, 2013 114. Fr. Thaddeus C. Etim 20th September, 2014 115. Fr. Cyril V. Ekpo 20th September, 2014 116. Fr. Marcellinus P. Asanga 20th September, 2014 117. Fr. Jude Isuk 20th September, 2014 118. Fr. Emmanuel P. John 20th September, 2014 119. Fr. Daniel A. Eteudoh 20th September, 2014 120. Fr. Michael Mfonobong Cletus 19th September, 2015 121. Fr. Michael Okon Nyong 19th September, 2015 122. Fr. Joseph Ubong Ekwere 19th September, 2015 123. Fr. Clement Gerald Bassey 19th September, 2015
Priests on Studies ITALY
Fr. Charles Asuquo Fr. Enobong Udoidiong Fr. Anthony Odiong AMERICA
Fr. Michael Udoh Fr. Levinus Anweting VERITAS UNIVERSITY
Fr. Edidiong Ekefre Fr. Thaddeus Etim
CIWA
Fr. Lawrence Afahanam Fr. Francis Ubong Fr. Victor Nworgu Fr. Charles Ekpoumoh
Priests Working within Nigeria Fr. Aloysius Isua – Abuja Fr. Sylvanus Udoidem – CIWA Fr. Basil Ekot – VUNA Fr. Francis Essien – SJMS, Ikot Ekpene Fr. Michael Etim – SJMS, Ikot Ekpene Fr. Richard Edet – Abuja Fr. Etido Asanga – SJMS, Ikot Ekpene
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS
Vicar General, Pastoral: Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ating St. Anthony’s Parish, Ewet Housing Estate Phone No: 07065114136 Vicar General, Administration: Very Rev. Fr. Donatus Udoette Sacred Heart Parish, Aka Phone No: 0803 392 2207 Diocesan Finance Administrator: Very Rev. Fr. Ernest P. Udoh St. Mary’s Parish, Obio Offot Phone No: 0802 966 1426 Judicial Vicar: Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekong St. Peter’s Parish, University of Uyo Phone No: 0803 710 6546 Vocations Director: Very Rev. Fr. Dominic Udosen St. Cyril Spiritual Year House, Obio Ibiono Phone No: 0808 876 1258 Bishop’s Personal Secretary: Rev. Fr. Emmanuel P. John Uyo Catholic Secretariat 2, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone: 0806 934 1970DIRECTORATES / DEPARTMENTS
JDPC:
Rev. Fr. Cletus Etim Uyo Catholic Secretariat 2, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone No: 0803 397 6079 Department of Communication: Very Rev. Fr. Godfrey Ukpabio Rev. Fr. Andinyene Paulinus Uyo Diocesan Media Centre Phone No: 0802 346 5310, 08027535894
Department of Health: Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Emah Holy Family Parish, Etinan Phone No: 0708 753 2772 Department of Social Services: Rev. Fr. Michael Inyang St. Theresa’s Parish, Ikot Edibon Phone No: 07082818678 Department of PMS: Rev. Fr. Anthony Okon Catholic Secretariat 2 Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone No: 0802 877 4444 Department of Educational Services: Very Rev. Fr. Michael Idobo Uyo Catholic Secretariat 2, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone No: 0806 815 5775 Department of Episcopal Delegate for the Consecrated Life: Very Rev. Fr. Francis Essien Uyo Catholic Secretariat 2, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone No: 0806 074 1261
Department for Vocations and Related Matters: Very Rev. Fr. Dominic Udosen Uyo Catholic Secretariat 2, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone No: 0803 709 6110 Department of Finance: Most Rev. Dr. John E. Ayah President Very Rev. Fr. Ernest Udoh Chairman Catholic Secretariat 2, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone No: 0802 966 1426
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS
Vicar General, Pastoral: Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ating St. Anthony’s Parish, Ewet Housing Estate Phone No: 07065114136 Vicar General, Administration: Very Rev. Fr. Donatus Udoette Sacred Heart Parish, Aka Phone No: 0803 392 2207 Diocesan Finance Administrator: Very Rev. Fr. Ernest P. Udoh St. Mary’s Parish, Obio Offot Phone No: 0802 966 1426 Judicial Vicar: Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekong St. Peter’s Parish, University of Uyo Phone No: 0803 710 6546 Vocations Director: Very Rev. Fr. Dominic Udosen St. Cyril Spiritual Year House, Obio Ibiono Phone No: 0808 876 1258 Bishop’s Personal Secretary: Rev. Fr. Emmanuel P. John Uyo Catholic Secretariat 2, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone: 0806 934 1970DIRECTORATES / DEPARTMENTS
JDPC:
Rev. Fr. Cletus Etim Uyo Catholic Secretariat 2, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone No: 0803 397 6079 Department of Communication: Very Rev. Fr. Godfrey Ukpabio Rev. Fr. Andinyene Paulinus Uyo Diocesan Media Centre Phone No: 0802 346 5310, 08027535894
Department of Health: Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Emah Holy Family Parish, Etinan Phone No: 0708 753 2772 Department of Social Services: Rev. Fr. Michael Inyang St. Theresa’s Parish, Ikot Edibon Phone No: 07082818678 Department of PMS: Rev. Fr. Anthony Okon Catholic Secretariat 2 Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone No: 0802 877 4444 Department of Educational Services: Very Rev. Fr. Michael Idobo Uyo Catholic Secretariat 2, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone No: 0806 815 5775 Department of Episcopal Delegate for the Consecrated Life: Very Rev. Fr. Francis Essien Uyo Catholic Secretariat 2, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone No: 0806 074 1261
Department for Vocations and Related Matters: Very Rev. Fr. Dominic Udosen Uyo Catholic Secretariat 2, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone No: 0803 709 6110 Department of Finance: Most Rev. Dr. John E. Ayah President Very Rev. Fr. Ernest Udoh Chairman Catholic Secretariat 2, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo Phone No: 0802 966 1426
Names of Deceased Priests From 1990 To 2016 S/N Names Place of Birth Date of Birth Death 1. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okon Akpan Nung Ikono Obio 1947 14th April, 1990 2. Rev. Fr. Augustine U. Ebong Edem Ekpat August, 1942 1st March, 1997 3. Rev. Fr. Gabriel N. UdohIkot Ekpenyong 1927 3rd May, 1998 4. Rev. Fr. Peter Willie Umoh – 2rd November, 1959 27th October, 2000 5. Rev. Fr. Hugh Vincent Hannigan – – 23rd March, 2001 (SPS) Lappan, Co.Cavan 6. Rev. Fr. Christopher P. Udoh Ikot Etim 26th July, 1945 20th October, 2001 7. Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Sebastian Eboh Edem Ekpat 5th December, 1945 11th September, 2003 8. Rev. Fr. Anthony Donatus Essene 5th January, 1970 14th May, 2006 Eno Ntong 9. Rev. Fr. Adolf Aniefiok Ikot Idem Udo โ 25th August, 1962 28th October, 2007 Patrick D. Otung Ibakachi, Ikot LGA 10. Rev. Fr. Christopher N. Umiong Itak Edem Esa, 25th October, 1950 19th September, 2008 Ikono LGA 11. Rev. Fr. Nicholas Ibuot Ikot Itie Udung, 2nd October, 1957 13th December, 2008 Essien Itiaba 12. Rev. Fr. Francis O. Mbaba Utit Uruan – 24th July, 2010 13. Rev. Fr. Nicholas N. Idim Mbiokporo 1 5th May, 1952 6th May, 2011 Nsit Ibom L.G.A2 14. Rev. Fr. Richard N. Akpan Nnung Uyo 24th May, 1966 29th November, 2011 15. Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Justin Ikot Esen Oku, 26th December, 1940 16th December, Sampson Ukpong Etinan LGA 2011 16. Rev. Fr. Sylvester John Udoh Ekim, Mkpat 31st December, 1941 8th June, 2012 Enin LGA 17. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel N. Inyang Ifiayong Usuk, 28th October, 1971 17th December, Uruan L.G.A 2012 18. Rev. Fr. Anthony Andrew Okon Odobo, Okobo 10th January, 1968 5th January, L.G.A. 2014
19. Rev. Fr. Dominic Mary E. Udofia Ekpene Ukim, 13th October, 1952 8th December, Uruan L.G.A 2014 20. Rev. Fr. Gall Patrick Okon Mbiakpan Atan, 26th October, 1938 6th July, 2015 Ibiono Ibom LGA 21. Rev. Fr. Nsikakobong Oboetim Ikot Ekong, 8th February, 1971 23rd February, Simon Essien Nsit Ibom L.G.A 2016 22. Very Rev. Fr. W. W. Bassey Ikot Edibon 20th December, 1970 25th August, 2016
PARISHES – (72)
Uyo Deanery Christ the King Parish Uyo St. Patrick’s Afaha Inang Scared Heart Aka St. Joseph’s Afaha Oku St. John’s Abak Road St. Anthony’s Ewet Housing St. Mary’s Obio Offot St. Peter’s Uniuyo Eket Deanery St. Gregory’s Eket SS. Peter and Paul MkpanakSt. Francis’ Ikot Ataku St. Agnes’ Uquo Immaculate Conception Edem Ekpat St. Fintan’ Ikot Mfon Holy Family Etinan St. Theresa’s Ikot Edibon St. Michael’s Ikot Akpatu Our Lady of Lourdes Ndukpo Ise Anua Deanery St. Joseph’s Anua St. Louis Mbiokporo St. Dominic’s Etoi St. Philip’s Use Offot St. John’s Eniong St. Peter’s Mbiabong Anyanya St. Andrew’s Ikot Okure St. Athanasius Nung Oku Ibesikpo St. Peter’s Akpautong St. Charles Ikot Ebre Essene Deanery SS. Peter and Paul Essene St. Theresa’s Ikot Abasi St. Luke’s Ikot Esenam St. Anthony’s Ikot Ubo Akama St. Nicholas’ Ikot Ekara St. John’s Asong St. Patrick’s Ikot Akpabong St. Pius X Ikot Abasi Akpan St. Paul’s Minya St. Paul’s Ekim Use Abat Deanery St. Theresa’s Use Abat St. Michael’s Ikot Ayan St. Joseph Ibiaku Awat Nkang St. Mary’s Ikot Nseyen Sacred Heart Ikot Ekpenyong St. Peter’s Ikot Uneke St. Joseph’s Etip Ediene St. Anthony’s Ikot Udofia St. James’ Ibam Edet
St. Peter’s Nung Ukim Ibiono Deanery S t . P e t e r ‘ s Ibiono St. Michael’s Uyo Road St. Thomas’ Itak St. Francis Ukpap Itak Assumption Obio Ibiono St. Hilary’s East Itam St. Paul West Itam Ndon Ebom Deanery Assumption Ndon Ebom St. Pius X Essien Itiaba St. Gabriel’s Nung Oku Uruan St. Jerome’s Nung Ikono Ufok St. Lawrence Eman Uruan St. Joseph’s Central Uruan Esin Uffot Deanery St. Mark’s Esin Ufot St. Charles’ L’wanga’s Mbukpu Eyokan St. Joseph’s Urung Uko St. Patrick Ebughu S t . P e t e r ‘ s Enwang S a c r e d H e a r t Ibaka St. Paul’s Afi Uda St. John’s Okobo St. Joseph Atiabang St. Peter’s Ekeya St. Paul’s Odobo
Female Religious Houses – 11 1. Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) Anua, Uyo 2. Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus Cornelia Cornelly College, Afaha Oku, Uyo 3. Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus Ikot Ambang, Ibiono 4. Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus Edem Ekpat, Etinan 5. Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus Itak, Ikono 6. Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus Ndon Ebom, Uruan 7. Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus Esin Ufot, Oron 8. Medical Missionaries of Mary (MMM)
Mbribit Itam 9. School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)
Mbribit Itam 10. Daughters of Charity Eniong Offot, Uyo 11. Witnessing Members of the Holy Family
St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua, Uyo
