29/10/2025
On this day 94 years ago (29-10-32), the first Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji was born. He is a native of Akwukwu-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. He was ordained a Catholic Priest on 23rd November 1958 in Rome and was consecrated as a Bishop on 30th September 1973. He led Issele-Uku Diocese for about 24 years before handing over to our Late Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel N. Otteh upon his transfer to take over the leadership of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu. On 9th February, 2009, he became the Bishop Emeritus of Enugu Diocese after handing over to Bishop Callistus Valentine Onaga.
As the Church considered him as retired but not tired, on 31st May, 2010, he was appointed as the Apostolic Administrator of Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, a position he occupied until 18th March, 2011, when he handed over to Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze.
Traditionally, as the oldest man in his quarter, Bishop Gbuji was, on 7th January, 2023, installed as the Diokpa of Umuekeke Quarters in Akwukwu-Igbo. We congratulate him on this his birth anniversary, while praying for good health of mind and body upon him.
Peace be with you
