According to a report by PM News Nigeria on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2025, Rev. Steve Chukwuma, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Agbor, Delta State, tragically passed away on Wednesday after collapsing at the pulpit while delivering the New Year’s Day homily. He was 63 years old.
The sudden loss shocked worshippers who were present during the Mass and reverberated across the Catholic community in Delta State and beyond. Rev. Chukwuma, who dedicated 35 years to the priesthood, was remembered not only as a devoted cleric but also as a lawyer, writer, and a pastor whose ministry emphasized compassion, human dignity, and spiritual guidance
Tributes poured in from parishioners, colleagues, and former altar servers who highlighted his gentle spirit, humility, and unwavering dedication to the Church. In a Facebook post, Oseghale Omo Akioya described him as “a beacon of hope and inspiration,” noting that his zeal and pastoral care left a lasting impact on generations who served alongside him since the late 1980s.
Born on June 5, 1962, in Agbor, Rev. Chukwuma began his vocation early as an altar server at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He attended Ngala Primary School and Ika Grammar School before entering the seminary in 1982. His formation included a Spiritual Year at St. Paul’s Missionary Seminary, Iperu-Remo, and priestly studies at SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, where he completed his training in 1990.
Ordained on August 18, 1990, by Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Gbuji, Rev. Chukwuma went on to serve in several parishes across Delta State, including St. Brigid’s in Asaba, All Saints in Onicha-Ugbo, and St. Michael’s in Ubulu-Uku. He also held leadership positions as Rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme-Aniogor, and Dean of the St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year campus in Ekpoma, mentoring countless seminarians throughout his career.
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