The funeral of Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, a respected priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi in Anambra State, was held amid heartfelt sorrow from fellow clergy, family members, and supporters.
Fr. Okonkwo was tragically murdered by gunmen on December 26, 2024. His final rites took place on Thursday at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi, following a requiem mass.
A trained pharmacist, Fr. Okonkwo was attacked shortly after leaving the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Sciences at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala, where he served as a manager.
The mass drew hundreds of priests, religious sisters, family, friends, and well-wishers. It was led by Most Rev. Denis Isizoh, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Aguleri, alongside Most Rev. Jonas-Benson Okoye, Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, and Most Rev. Patrick Eluke, Auxiliary Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese.
Monsignor Anichebe Patrick Ezeobata, the Vicar General of Nnewi Diocese, reflected on Fr. Okonkwo’s impactful life during his homily. “Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, who died at a young age, had already made significant contributions to pastoral life,” he stated.
Ordained in July 2015, Fr. Okonkwo completed his pharmacy internship in October 2024 and commenced his role at the School of Nursing just two months before his untimely death.
Notable figures from the political sphere also attended the funeral, including the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, alongside former Anambra State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Prof. Stella Okunna, among many others.
