CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF AGULERI
REV. FR INNOCENT IFEANACHO EGBUNIKE
Rev. Fr Innocent Ifeanacho
Egbunike, was called into existence in the family of late Mr and Mrs Augustine
and Elizabeth Egbunike of Abba – Nsugbe on 20th June, 1969. He
stepped out of his family to the larger society when he started nursery school
in 1973. His primary education was in Abu-Ato Primary School Asaba and Central
School Nsugbe (1975 – 1979 and 1979 – 1981 respectively). Completing this
successfully, he was qualified for post primary education, and this was taken
care of in Community Secondary School Nsugbe and Ogbe Secondary School Effurun
(1981 – 1986 and 1987 – 1988 respectively).
It
is pertinent to note that before his post primary education, he indicated
interest or aspiration to priestly vocation, but this seed dwindled, however,
never destroyed, owing to the vehement refusal of his parents. Nevertheless,
the vocation sprouted up after his West African School Certificate Examination
(WASCE). While awaiting his result, he applied for admission into All Hallows
Seminary for formation to the priesthood, he secured admission for Latin course
in 1990, and obtained Diploma Certificate in Latin. He was posted to the same
seminary, after the Latin Diploma examination, for one year apostolic work
(1990-1991). He proceeded to St Pius X Seminary Akwu-Ukwu for one year program
in spirituality. His philosophical and theological education were both carried
out in Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu (1992 – 1996 and 1997 – 2001
respectively).
During
these years of formation in the senior seminary, he did his apostolic work in
the following places:
Ø St Theresa’s
Parish Obosi – 1993
Ø St Denis Parish Lilu – 1994
Ø St Anthony’s
Parish Umudioka – 1995
Ø St Pius X
Seminary Akwu-Ukwu – 1996-1997
Ø St Paul’s
Cathedral Issele-Ukwu – 1998
Ø St Theresa’s
Oghe in Ezeagu, Enugu Diocese – 1999
Ø St Joseph’s
Abata-Nsugbe – 2000
Thus, having completed the
formation program, he was ordained on 11th August 2001 by Most Rev.
Albert K. Obiefuna at St John the Baptist Parish Nsugbe, as the first priest
from his town. After his ordination, he went for relief duty at Holy Cross
Parish Nkpor in September 2001, St. Charles Parish Lilu in October 2001, and St
Peter Claver Parish Nnewi-Ichi in November. He was posted, as second vicar to
St Charles Lwanga’s Parish New Haven (Okpoko) in 2002. He was transferred to
Madonna Parish Nnobi in 2004 as a vicar.
Fr
Acho, as popularly known/called, became the pioneer parish priest of St
Monica’s Parish on 13th January 2006. Then, he moved to Our Lady
Queen of Peace, Bridgehead Housing Estate Onitsha on 12th October
2012, as the parish priest. Again, he was transferred to St Catherine’s Parish,
Awkuzu on 17th October 2018 to man the parish. Finally, he was asked
to go to St. Michael’s Parish Ogbunike on 16th October 2022. He was
the parish priest there when the new diocese was pronounced on 12th
February 2023. On the inauguration of the diocese and installation of the
pioneer Bishop (17th March 2023), he was appointed the Chancellor of
the diocese by his bishop, Most Rev. Denis Chidi Isizoh.
Fr.
Acho was able to combine his pastoral assignments with furthering of his
studies. He studied economics in Nnamdi Azukiwe University under Continued
Education Program (CEP), from 2010 to 2016, and came out with B.Sc. He went
further for second degree in the same discipline and the same institution and
was awarded M.Sc. In 2022, he went to Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe
for Professional Diploma in Education (PED). He also sat for a professional
examination organized by Teacher Registration Commission of Nigeria (TRCN).
Fr
Acho featured in various apostolates: he was the Archdiocesan Chaplain to Laity
Council (2007 – 2018), Deputy National Chaplain of Man of Order and Discipline
Movement of Nigeria (2004 – 2010), and was appointed the National Chaplain of
the same body (2010 – 2018). He was also the Chaplain of the then Ogidi
Regional Divine Mercy Devotees. All these were achieved to the glory of God and
by His grace.