The prelate of the newly created Catholic Diocese of Aguleri, Most Rev. Denis Chidi Isizoh, has called on the people of Aguleri to prioritize the industrialization of their community instead of building mansions with little or no utility. Bishop Isizoh stated that he advised building of industries because it would engage the youth meaningfully and deter them from various social vices. He made this statement in an interview with our correspondents who sought to ascertain the state of the Diocese one year after its establishment by Pope Francis on February 12, 2023. The Bishop's call aligns with his mission and vision for the Diocese. He emphasized that the primary duty of the Diocese, which is preaching the gospel of salvation, is complemented by conscious programs and plans for development at both individual and social levels.
In this regard, the Bishop, drawing on his extensive experience in Aguleri and its environs as a native of the region and former Auxiliary Bishop of the Onitsha Archdiocese, stated that the Diocesan Seminary has been re-established at Igbariam, where it was initially founded 100 years ago during the time of Blessed Iwene Tansi. Additionally, the Lumen Christi Spiritual Year Seminary in Umunya has been established to provide holistic training for seminarians. The Bishop has also been involved in negotiating peace in Olumbanasa, which is in its final stages. He mentioned that the Diocese is reconstructing two Catholic schools, one in Aguleri and the other in Umueri, and he particularly urged the people of Aguleri to contribute to the reconstruction of Michael Tansi Secondary School to provide high-quality education for their children. Bishop Isizoh also expressed interest in teaching skills to the youth in Aguleri and the surrounding communities within the Diocese.
The Bishop expressed delight that the new Diocese has already ordained four priests and six deacons. He revealed that these ordinations were possible because seminarians from households within the Aguleri Diocese automatically become seminarians of the Diocese.
Bishop Isizoh congratulated His Majesty, Igwe Dr. Michael C. Idigo, on the occasion of his 125th Ovala Aguleri festival and commended him for ensuring peace between Aguleri and neighboring communities. He also appreciated Igwe Sir Ben Emeka for his efforts to achieve peace between Umueri and their neighbors and urged them not to relent.
On a somber note, the Bishop expressed regret over the sudden death of Chief Sir Alex Aloefuna, whom he had seen on the Wednesday before his passing on Friday. He prayed that Aguleri would not lack individuals like Chief Aloefuna.
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