Profile of Bishop Chukwuma Chinekezi Oparah PhD

Rt. Rev. Chukwuma & Mrs. Chidiebere Oparah PhD

BRIEF PROFILE OF BISHOP CHUKWUMA CHINEKEZI OPARAH PhD JP
Fourth Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Owerri

Rt. Revd Chukwuma Chinekezi Oparah, PhD, JP hails from Dimoma Obuzi, Amankuta Mbieri in  Mbaitoli L.G.A Imo State. He was born on 26th October, 1969 into the family of Sir Felix Uzoamaka Oparah and Mrs. Justina Ugochi Oparah (Nee Mba Onyeji of Ubakuru Mbieri) as the first of the family.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies (New Testament Study), a Master’s degree in New Testament Study (Religious Studies) both from the University of Uyo, Uyo Akwa Ibom State and a Bachelor of Arts in Education in Religion/Education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Diploma in Theology from Trinity (Union) Theological College, Umuahia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Trinity College of Ministerial Arts, Aba/Honlulu University USA. He had his secondary education at St Patrick’s School, Emene Enugu State and Obazu Community Secondary School, (OCOGRAM) Mbieri and his Primary School at Udi Road Primary School, Asata, Enugu State.

Rt. Rev. Chukwuma was seconded to the then missionary Diocese of Uyo in 1992 by the then Bishop of Owerri and Archbishop of Province 11, Most Rev. Benjamin C. and Mrs. Jane Nwankiti to assist in the missionary work in Uyo Diocese as a church teacher. The then Bishop of Uyo, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Ebenezer and Lady Adela Nglass welcomed him as their son. While at Uyo, Chukwuma was sponsored in his Theological education at trinity (Union) Theological College, Umuahia by the Council of Knights, Anglican Diocese of Owerri.

Rt. Rev. Chukwuma Chinekezi Oparah returned to Owerri in 2004 and was welcomed by the former Bishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Cyril Chukwunonyerem & Dr. (Mrs.) Eunice Ihuoma Okorocha, PhD

Rt. Revd Chukwuma was made a Deacon and Ordained a Priest in the Anglican Church in 1994 and 1995 respectively in the Anglican Diocese of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He is a Canon of All Saints Cathedral Uyo, Diocese of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A Canon of the Cathedral Church of Transfiguration of Our Lord (CATOL), Owerri and was the Archdeacon of Ibeama Ogwa Archdeaconry and Vicar, Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ekwereazu Ogwa in the Anglican Diocese of Owerri before his election as the Anglican Bishop of Owerri on 18th September, 2018 during the Episcopal Synod of the church of Nigeria held at the Cathedral church of St. Peter’s, Minna, Diocese of Minna, Niger state.

An Evangelical Preacher, a Strategist in Church Planting and Kingdom Expansion and Church Administrator, who pioneered missionary and evangelical activities in the then ‘Missionary’ Diocese of Uyo and these have been affirmed by Jackie Brookfield (2000) of the Diocese of Portsmouth, United Kingdom in her book entitled ‘The African Odyssey’.
He has served in different capacities in the Church, among them were the Bishop/Archbishops’ Chaplain and Administrative Assistant to the Bishop of Uyo- the pioneer Bishop of Uyo and first Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province (1994-2003). Member Episcopal Pastoral Team, Anglican Diocese of Owerri. He believes in “Ecumenism” the unity of all believers irrespective of church denomination. He has served Imo State Government as the Sole Administrator of the Imo State Ecumenical Centre Project (2010). He served as a Director in Imo State Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN) as Director of Planning, Research and Strategy. Also represents the Anglican Church in CCN (Christian Council of Nigeria).

He is a man of God with diverse divine gifts – a Theologian, Educationist, Pastor, Teacher, Church planter and administrator. The Head of Department in the Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, before his election as Bishop, and a former Head of Department, Civic and Social Issues, all in Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri.

He is a Fellow of Institute of Corporate Administration; a Fellow of Human Resources Management in Nigeria. Member of Professional Bodies – Nigeria Association of the Study of Religion, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, among others. He is a Jerusalem Pilgrim.

Bishop Chukwuma Chinekezi Oparah PhD has authored and co-authored many books and published articles in reputable journals both locally and internationally to his credit. He has attended many conferences locally and internationally as well. He is gifted in handling issues in Peace and Conflict Resolution.

He strongly believes in honesty, accountability and integrity in his relationship to God and man.

Bishop Chukwuma is married to Mrs. Chidieber C. Oparah (Nee Agukwendu,) formerly a Vice President of the Women’s Ministries Anglican Diocese of Owerri, now, the president. She has served as secretary Women’d Ministries, Anglican Diocese of Uyo, One time Girls Guild Coordinator, Anglican Diocese of Owerri; A Principal lecturer in Computer Science, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, and has held many appointments within the institution such as Internet Administrator, Internet Coordinator (ICT), Deputy Director Continuing Education Center, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri and they are blessed with five children – Miracle, Marvelous, Magnify, Mmesoma and Melody.

To God be the Glory.