The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has clarified that the contributions of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to the construction of the newly dedicated Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral were fully acknowledged.
This response comes after comments attributed to James Okoye suggested that the church overlooked Ubah’s support during the dedication ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of the Cathedral Dedication Committee, Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghulor emphasized that the diocese greatly appreciated the contributions of Senator Ubah and other benefactors toward completing the cathedral.
“The Bishop of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye, mentioned Cardinal Francis Arinze, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, and other benefactors during the service,” Fr. Aghulor said. “Dr. Ubah was also referenced on pages 7 to 10 of the dedication brochure.”
He noted that while the late senator was a major benefactor, he did not singlehandedly build the cathedral nor initiate the project.
Fr. Aghulor added that the church’s tradition is to give and acknowledge contributions to God rather than seek public recognition. “People who give to the church are giving to God, not to the Bishop or priests. Appreciation is a continuous spiritual process,” he said.
He further highlighted that over 20 churches built by individual benefactors in the diocese have not been immortalized with monuments, noting that recognition is handled spiritually and across the diocese’s 147 parishes.
Fr. Aghulor stressed that church recognition differs from government practices, and gratitude for contributions to God’s work goes beyond ceremonial acknowledgment.