Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has expressed his sympathy to the Catholic community in Nigeria over the demise of the pioneer Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. V. V Ezeonyia.
The cleric passed away on Sunday during a brief illness.
Kalu acknowledged the role the spiritual father played in promoting Christianity in Abia State, especially by developing and expanding the Catholic Church in Aba Diocese, creating new parishes and appointing new priests.
In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “It is with heavy heart and pain that I commiserate with the Catholic faithful in Abia State on the passing away of Most Rev. V. V Ezeonyia. As a Catholic, I appreciate the forthrightness and discipline of the late bishop. He preached the teachings of the holy book at any given opportunity. His life was dedicated to God and humanity. The late cleric left behind a good legacy worthy of emulation by us all. He will be greatly missed by the Christian community.”
Under the late Bishop Ezeonyia’s watch, CKC, Aba headquarters of the dioceses, was greatly transformed with many structures springing up within a short period, Kalu added.
The former governor urged spiritual leaders to emulate the way of life of Bishop Ezeonyia, praying to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give the Ezeonyia family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
