By Kelvin Ohoror
The Isoko Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the immediate past Bishop of Warri Diocese, Late Bishop John Okeoghene Afareha.
In a statement issued by the Isoko Chapel of the NUJ, signed by Comrades Michael Ilaya and Matthew Unyove, Chairman and Secretary respectively, lamented that his death is a significant loss to Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.
They described late Bishop John Okeoghene Afareha as an outstanding visionary God’s servant whose leadership and contributions left an enduring legacy in Warri Catholic Diocese, Delta State and Nigeria at large.
The Union stated that, Bishop Afareha death was a huge loss not only to his community, Isoko people and the Catholic family, but also to the entire Delta State and Nigeria as a whole, noting that his life exemplified hard work, innovation, service to God and Almighty humanity.
Late Bishop Afareha was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Warri on March 3, 1997, and was consecrated Bishop on May 14, 1997.
He later became the substantive Bishop of Warri Diocese on March 29, 2010, a position he held until his retirement on March 10, 2022, after attaining the Canonical retirement age of 75.
During his episcopal tenure, Bishop Afareha was regarded as a calm but firm church leader who placed strong emphasis on prayer, discipline and pastoral responsibility.
He was also known for his modest lifestyle and close attention to the spiritual welfare of priests and lay faithful, earning him wide respect within the Nigerian Catholic community.
