A Nigerian philanthropist, Chief Sir. Dr. Ikenna Okafor (IDE Akwaeze) has presented a cheque of N300 hundred million to the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia to support the work of evangelisation.
Receiving the gift in his office, the Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Okpaleke expressed appreciation for Chief Dr. Okafor for the gesture, pledging that the donation would be sued judiciously.
Nigerian philanthropist, Chief Sir. Dr. Ikenna Okafor (IDE Akwaeze)
In a similar gesture, the philanthropist gave a handsome donation to Peter University, Onne/Achina, Anambra State, owned by the Catholic Diocese of Awka.
Also, Chief Okafor, who is also a Knight of the Church supported the foundation laying for UNIZIK Business School’s ultra-modern building with a sum of N100 million.
The Cardinal used the opportunity to pray for the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Keves Global Leasing.
Ordained a priest for Awka Diocese on 22 August 1992, the Bishop of Ekwulobia, 62, holds a doctorate in Canon Lawfrom the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome and the title of Cardinal-Priest of Santi Martiri dell’Uganda a Poggio Ameno.
With Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come Holy Spirit) as his episcopal motto, Cardinal Okpaleke strongly overcame a significant challenge after his appointment as the Bishop of Ahiara in 2012 leading to his resignation in 2018.
The Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Okpaleke
Providentially, he was elevated to the rank of a Cardinal by Pope Francis on 27 August 2022.
Known for highlighting strong faith in Nigeria and advocacy, the Cardinal, who participated in the May 2025 conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV, is also a member of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life and chairs the Canon Law Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
Editor’s Note: All photos are courtesy of Solomon Tochi Fidelis.
