By Olivia Obijiaku
The Catholic Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Zaria, Most Rev. Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh marked his second anniversary as a bishop and as the local ordinary of the diocese. The anniversary was marked during the Christmas carol that took place in Sacred Heart Parish, Wusasa Zaria, on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
The celebrant who was consecrated and installed on Thursday, December 14, 2023, explained that the anniversary was low- keyed, because one of his priests, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezema, who was abducted on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 was still in captivity. He solicited prayers for his safe and quick release, so that “he may come back and celebrate with us.”
The bishop had earlier, through a document addressed to all priests, consecrated persons and the lay faithful, dated 12th December, 2025, the bishop requested that ‘One Our Father, One Hail Mary, One Glory Be and the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel,’ be prayed devoutly, “at the conclusion of every morning Eucharistic Adoration before Mass in our different Churches, and each night before retiring to rest.’
The diocesan novena which commenced on Monday, December 15, 2025 will continue till Tuesday, December 23, 2025, as the diocese continues to implore the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, trusting the Lord to hear her cry.
Thanking the flock for lots of love they have continued to shower on him, His Lordship prayed that, “we continue to journey together.” He also thanked the Catholic Women Organization (CWO), of the diocese for presenting him with a gift, praying that God may reward and replenish them abundantly.
On his part, the Diocesan Chaplain of CWO, Rev. Fr. Dr. Julian Chukwuemeka Ibe thanked God for the life of the chief shepherd. He also lauded the spiritual leader for working tirelessly for the growth of the diocese.
Within the two years of his episcopacy, Bishop Daboh has taken the diocese to different levels of growth. These are evident in his people-oriented, people-centered and inclusive leadership style; as well many laudable achievements which are not limited to: the addition of Bassawa Deanery to the existing five deaneries; establishment of five pastoral areas; renovation of the diocesan St Martin de Pores Hospital, Wusasa, Zaria, and its upgrade to NHIS accredited centre; upgrade and expansion of St John’s Academy Muchia, Zaria; addition and commissioning of one Academic Block to the existing ones in Seat (SWAZ), Zaria; titling of Sacred Heart Parish, Wusasa, Zaria; as well as inauguration of Cathdiza Farm Board; Land and Development Committee, and Finance Committee.
Bishop Daboh has also extended hands of generosity outside the Catholic faith, facilitating the roofing of the interdenominational Chapel of Hope, at the Zaria Correctional Centre, as well as offering moral support, financial support, and fatherly advice to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Zaria and beyond.
In an interview with the Trinitas Newspaper, the celebrant disclosed challenges of insecurity; lack of funds and lack of land to build on. He also desires, with the cooperation of the hardworking priests in the diocese, to “ensure that no parish or outstation stays for a month without the celebration of the Holy Mass.”
Despite his intention and determination to stabilize and unify the schools within his jurisdiction; improve the standard of St. Martin de Pores Hospital Wusasa; and help the vulnerable, especially the widows; the diocese is largely limited by lack of funds.
Yet, full of hope, the administrator who attributed his sustenance to the grace of God, asserted that, “If we have sponsors and money, we shall do lots. Almost everything involves money. I hope to find better ways of helping the vulnerable.”
