Appointment of bishop of Ogoja, Nigeria

The Holy Father appointed as bishop of the diocese of Ogoja, Nigeria, the Rev. Donatus Edet Akpan, of the clergy of Ikot Ekpene, currently parish priest of the archdiocese of Abuja.

Rev. Donatus Edet Akpan

The Rev. Donatus Edet Akpan was born on 7 August 1952, in Ikot Ada Utor, Urua Akpan parish, diocese of Ikot Ekpene. After attending St. Mary’s Primary School, Nto Okpo (1962-1970), he entered the Queen of Apostles minor seminary (1971-1975). He began his studies in philosophy at the Bigard Memorial Seminary of Enugu (1975), and concluded them in the St. Joseph major seminary in Enugu (1981-1985). He was ordained a priest on 12 October 1985, incardinated in the diocese of Ikot Ekpene.

He holds a diploma in education and a Master’s degree in biblical theology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1987-1989), and has held the following offices: teacher at the minor seminary in Afaha Obong and deputy priest in the Immaculate Conception parish, Afaha Obong (1985-1987); priest fidei donum in the archdiocese of Abuja (1989); teacher at the Sts. Simon and Jude seminary, Kuje, and deputy priest in St. Kizito’s parish, Kuje, and St. Paul’s parish, Gwagwalada (1989-1991); rector of the Sts. Simon and Jude minor seminary, Kuje (1991-1994); pastor of the Christ the King parish, Kubwa (1994-2001); pastor of the All Saints parish, Dutse Alhaji (2001-2006); administrator of the Our Lady of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Garki (2006-2011); and pastor of the Sts. Peter and Paul parish, Nyanya, Abuja (2011-2016). He is currently pastor of the Holy Rosary parish, Wuse, Abuja; president of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission, Abuja; and master of ceremonies, archdiocese of Abuja.