Bishop of Nnewi
Jonas Benson Okoye was born in Kaduna on January 25, 1963. After completing primary school, he entered All Saints Minor Seminary (1977–1982). He pursued philosophy studies at Bigard Memorial Seminary in Ikot-Ekpene (1983–1987) and theology studies at Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu (1988–1992). He was ordained a priest on August 29, 1992, and incardinated into the Diocese of Awka. Following his ordination, he held the following positions and undertook the following studies: 1992–1993: Parochial Vicar of St. John’s Parish, Ezinfite; 1993–1995: Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Parish, Oko, and Defender of the Bond at the Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Awka; 1995–1997: Studies in Theology and Canon Law (Master’s degree) at the Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt; 1997–2002: Parish Priest of St. John’s Parish, Neni, and Deputy Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Awka; 2002–2003: Studies for the Licentiate in Canon Law at St. Paul’s University, Ottawa, Canada; 2003–2006: Studies at the Pontifical Lateran University, where he obtained a Doctorate in Canon Law; 2006–2007: Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish, Ekwulobia; since 2007: Parish Priest of St. Matthew’s, Amawbia, Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Awka, Judge at the Inter-diocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Onitsha, and Member of the Presbyteral Council of Awka; since 2009: Member of the College of Consultors and President of the Nigerian Canon Law Society.