Bishop of Ahiara
Msgr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, C.M.F., was born on 25 March 1960 in Eziama Oparanadim Ekwereazu, in the diocese of Ahiara. After entering the Congregation of Missionaries Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians), he undertook his studies in philosophy at the Claretian Institute of Philosophy Maryland, Nedeke, and subsequently in theology at the Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu. He gave his solemn vows on 11 September 1988, and was ordained a priest on 21 July 1990 for his Congregation. He was awarded a postgraduate diploma in public administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology in Enugu, a licentiate in missiology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and a master’s degree in public administration from the National Open University of Nigeria. He has held the following offices: parish priest at Saint Anthony’s in Igbo-Ora (1990-1992); bursar of the Claretian Theology of Enugu (1992-1997); director of the Department of Spirituality of the Claretian Institute of Philosophy Maryland, Nedeke (1999-2000); professor at the Bigard Memorial Seminary of Enugu (2000-2009); prefect of the apostolate at the Claretian Provincial Curia of New Owerri (2005-2010); parish priest at Saint Paul’s in Nedeke (2006-2010); and provincial of the Province of East Nigeria of the Missionaries Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (2010-2022).