By Okafor Benjamin
When a priest leaves a place, his legacy is measured not only by buildings or official positions, but by the lives he touched, families he strengthened and people who can say he was there for them.
Rev. Fr. Joshua Obiekezie MSSCC, popularly known as “Oberenwa Jesu,” was ordained a Catholic priest on July 8, 2021, by Bishop Michael Ukpong, then Auxiliary Bishop of Umuahia.
Weeks later, on August 20, 2021, he began his pastoral assignment as Assistant Parish Priest at St Charles Lwanga Parish, Okpoko, Onitsha.
Between 2021 and 2026, Fr. Obiekezie served in various capacities, including Assistant Parish Priest, Principal of St Charles Lwanga Secondary School, Priest in charge of Sacraments, coordinator of Thursday Parish Adoration and chaplain to several Church groups.
Beyond these responsibilities, however, his ministry was marked by practical support for families, young people and the vulnerable.
Supporting families
One of his notable initiatives was the annual Free Mass Wedding organised in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The programme helped couples who desired the Sacrament of Matrimony but were constrained by the financial demands associated with wedding ceremonies.
His outreach also extended to orphanages and hospitals, where he visited people experiencing difficult moments.
He was also involved in organising annual palliative support for parishioners and community members, with donations from Orange Drugs helping families during challenging periods.
Investing in education
Education was another major focus of his ministry. Fr. Obiekezie provided scholarships to students and parishioners who struggled to pay their school fees.
He also helped attract external support to the parish and school. One notable intervention came from Chief Evans Emesim Okwumereze, founder of the Okwumereze Empowerment Foundation, which supported 35 students from Okpoko from first year to final year, including monthly allowances.
During the last Chrism Mass at Iyiowa Region, Archbishop Valerian Okeke also publicly appreciated Fr. Obiekezie for making his sound system, Adoration singers and instrumentalists available free of charge for Church activities.
From the classroom to the altar, hospitals and orphanages to struggling families, his years at St Charles Lwanga Parish reflected a ministry centred on service and compassion.
For many people in Okpoko, his legacy may ultimately be found not in official records, but in the couples who received the Sacrament of Matrimony, students who remained in school, families that received support, and people who experienced his presence during difficult times.
These are the quiet measurements of pastoral ministry, and for those who encountered Fr. Joshua Obiekezie “Oberenwa Jesu” between 2021 and 2026, his greatest legacy may simply be that he was there for them.
Tags: Fr Joshua Obiekezie, Okpoko, Catholic Church, St Charles Lwanga Parish
