Esan Catholics in Benin Rally Support for Uromi Diocese's 20th Anniversary and Hospital Project

By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

Bishop Ogun of Uromi Visits Benin Archdiocese, Appeals for Help to Expand St. Camillus Catholic Hospital

BENIN CITY, EDO STATE—The Esan Catholic Sons and Daughters in the Archdiocese of Benin City hosted a grand reception and fundraising event on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, to welcome His Lordship, Bishop Donatus Aimioshion Ogun, O.S.A., of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi. 

The purpose of the visit was to formally announce the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Diocese of Uromi and to solicit support for its various developmental projects, particularly the expansion of the St. Camillus Catholic Hospital, Uromi.

A Hearty Welcome and Call to Action:
The event commenced with a special Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Paul Catholic Church, Benin City. The Bishop was given a rousing welcome by the Esan Catholic Women who trouped out singing many praises of the Bishop in Esan language while he was earlier escorted from the Bishop's court by some Esan elders before the start of mass. The Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, was represented by the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Oyanoafoh.

In his homily, titled "Invitation of Jesus," Fr. Oyanoafoh stressed the importance of accepting Christ's call and preparing for His visitation, especially as the Christmas season approaches. 

He connected this spiritual readiness to the mission of the Church: "The moment we accept the invitation of Jesus, we should be towards the spread of the gospel which is a big sign of acceptance of his visitation and work towards the promotion of the works of Evangelization."

Celebration Rooted in Spirituality:
Bishop Ogun, in his remarks, underscored his decision to begin the ceremony with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, stating that "anything short of that will make the event only a social gathering."

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Rt. Hon. Chevalier Andrew Agenmonmhen, delivered a heartfelt welcome address. He thanked the Bishop for his visit—his second since his installation—and lauded him for the extensive spiritual and physical achievements in the Diocese, including the construction of numerous new parishes, mass centers, schools, and the "beautiful, majestic, elegant, and iconic" St. Anthony's Cathedral, Uromi.

"Today, we will during this occasion organize a fundraising activity to support you in your work in the Diocese. We all have agreed to do our best as we are able to do," Chevalier Agenmonmhen stated, expressing the community's commitment.

A Passion for Development:
The reception grand followed, chaired by Brig. Gen. Dr. Ihenyen, who called on all indigenous Catholics of Esan land to always remember and visit their home community.
Speaking on behalf of the Archbishop, Fr. Oyanoafoh commended Bishop Ogun's "great passion for the development of his diocese and the growth of Evangelization." 

He affirmed the Archbishop’s support, noting that the Bishop's presence showed he was "eager for further development."
Bishop Ogun, expressing his profound joy for the warm reception, moved through the hall greeting guests. 

He passionately reiterated his call for support for the Diocesan projects. He also made a direct reference to the importance of supporting Gov. Monday Okpeboholo's administration, stating that the Governor's success would be a shared achievement for the entire Esan people.
The highpoint of the evening was the generous donations made by the Sons and Daughters of Esan Land, their friends, and relatives towards the vital Diocesan Hospital project.

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