In a world where titles fade and applause dies down, some voices linger—echoing with wisdom, grace, and deep conviction. After over two decades of tireless service, pioneering leadership, and unwavering faith, Bishop Francis Ogbonnaya Okobo stands before us one last time—not as the first Bishop of Nsukka, nor as its Apostolic Administrator, but as a grateful servant laying down his staff.
With a heart full of memories and a voice still steady with purpose, he delivers not just a farewell, but a legacy. This is more than a goodbye. It is a sacred passing of the torch, a reflection on a journey faithfully run, and a humble bow before God and His people.
These are the words of a man who led with courage, served with compassion, and now departs with dignity.
“I BOW OUT NOW AND FOR GOOD
(Bishop Okobo’s Farewell Speech)
“Arise, let us move from here.” This was the motto of my bishopric, which ends as soon as I finish this talk.
Your Eminence, Cardinal Onaiyekan,
Your Excellencies the Archbishops and Bishops here present,
My successor, Monsignor Professor Godfrey Igwebuike Onah,
Right Reverend and Very Reverend Monsignori, beloved priests, clergies from other leagues and denominations,
Distinguished Senate President and other Senators,
Your Excellencies, Executive Governors of States here present,
Honourable members of the House of Representatives, members of the State House of Assembly, and other government officials here present,
Traditional rulers, and dear people of God:
May the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ be praised both now and forever!
Twenty years ago, when Nsukka Diocese was created, I was appointed to be her first Pastor. I chose for my motto Surgite, eamus hinc — “Arise, let us move from here.” These were the words of our Lord when He was speaking about His suffering and death and what was to come. After His discourse had gone on for some time, He ended it by saying: “Come, let us go” (Surgite, eamus hinc).
This motto helped me overcome my own doubts about myself and how I could carry out the work entrusted to me.
After more than 22 years of shepherding this Diocese, I leave it to God and to you, my fellow Christians, to assess how I have fared. Leading and moving the Diocese forward was not an easy task, but by the grace of God, His grace was always more than enough.
Moreover, with age no longer on my side, together with its consequences and health complications, I applied for retirement. On April 13th, 2013, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, announced his acceptance of my request and appointed Monsignor Professor Godfrey Igwebuike Onah to succeed me. At that instance, I was declared Bishop Emeritus of Nsukka Diocese.
But the Holy Father also sent me another decree, appointing me Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese until my successor would take canonical possession of the Diocese — which takes place this morning. Since April 13th, 2013, I have been piloting the affairs of the Diocese as Apostolic Administrator, and this comes to an end today with the installation of my successor in this ceremony.
I most respectfully thank and appreciate my brother Bishops for their fraternal concern, prayers, and support, especially when I first assumed the leadership of this Diocese. I also sincerely thank the clergy, the religious, and the lay faithful of our Diocese for their cooperation during my tenure, particularly during the period of my illness.
Many people thought I would die during my sickness, and some even announced my obituary. But God decided otherwise. That I am alive today, witnessing this event, is one of the great miracles of God in my life. I never imagined I would live to see my successor.
With the event of today, I can now, like Simeon in the Bible, say: Nunc dimittis.
I thank God for the person He has chosen to succeed me, Monsignor Professor Godfrey Igwebuike Onah. Monsignor Onah is better prepared for this office than I was, and the Diocese itself is stronger today than when I began her leadership. There are, therefore, positive signs that all will go well. But I also know it will not be easy — for it has never been easy.
Consequently, I earnestly ask the clergy, the religious, and the lay faithful to cooperate fully with Monsignor Onah. I pray that the Lord, in His goodness, will grant him greater wisdom, faith, and courage to lead his flock, with the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, and of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the Patroness of this Diocese.
I now leave the seat for you, my dear brother, now and forever.
I bow out now, and for good.
Thank you very much.
- Francis Ogbonnaya Okobo (Bishop Emeritus of Nsukka diocese)”
-Delivered on the day of his retirement
