By Charles Igwe
The prestigious Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Nigeria, welcomes a new rector, Very Rev. Father JohnBosco Tobenna Ezika, as appointed by the Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke. This significant role entrusted to Fr. Ezika is a reflection of his years of dedicated service to the Church, characterized by pastoral excellence and a profound commitment to the spiritual growth of the faithful.
Fr. Ezika, a native of Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has served the Church in various capacities since his ordination as a priest for the Archdiocese of Onitsha on July 16, 2005, by Archbishop Okeke. His journey has been one of continuous service, beginning as a Parish Vicar at St. Gregory the Great Parish, Iyiowa Odekpe, where he also managed the Archbishop Albert Obiefuna Secondary School from 2006 to 2007. Following this, Fr. Ezika pursued advanced studies in Pastoral Communications at the Catholic Institute of West Africa, enriching his theological understanding and pastoral skills between 2007 and 2009.
Fr. Ezika’s priestly ministry has taken him beyond the Archdiocese of Onitsha. From 2009 to 2011, he served as a Fidei Donum priest in the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, demonstrating the universality of the priesthood and his ability to minister effectively across diverse communities. Upon his return to the Archdiocese, he was appointed Parish Vicar at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Fegge, Onitsha, while also serving as Assistant Editor of Trinitas, the Archdiocesan newspaper, from 2011 to 2012. His editorial role reflected his pastoral concern and commitment to the evangelization mission through the media.
From October 2012 to September 2016, Fr. Ezika served as Parish Priest at Sacred Heart Parish, Nteje. He continued his pastoral work as Parish Priest of St. Theresa’s Parish, Umunya, from 2016 to 2019. His leadership and pastoral care during these years solidified his reputation as a deeply committed shepherd.
In October 2019, Fr. Ezika was appointed Episcopal Vicar of Nnobi Region and Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Parish, Nnokwa, a position he held until his recent appointment as Rector of the Basilica. His time in Nnokwa was marked by his active involvement in several Archdiocesan committees, including the Archdiocesan Liturgy Commission, where he has served as Master of Liturgical Ceremonies since 2017. His liturgical expertise has contributed to the beauty and order of worship within the Archdiocese, especially during significant liturgical celebrations. Fr. Ezika is also a member of the Archdiocesan Land Committee and the College of Consultors, further demonstrating his extensive involvement in the administrative and spiritual life of the Archdiocese.
Throughout his ministry, Fr. Ezika has also served the youth of the Archdiocese, particularly as the Chaplain of the Catholic Altar Servers Association from 2012 to 2019, nurturing a new generation of committed Catholics who serve at the altar. His pastoral care for young people has been a significant aspect of his priesthood, helping to inspire vocations and deepening the faith of those he leads.
As the new Rector of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Fr. Ezika steps into a role of great responsibility, tasked with overseeing the spiritual and administrative life of one of Nigeria’s most important religious landmarks. While Archbishop Valerian Okeke remains the ordinary pastor of the Basilica, Fr. Ezika will manage its daily operations, ensuring that the Basilica continues to serve as a pillar of faith for the Archdiocese and the wider Church in Nigeria.
Fr. Ezika’s appointment is a recognition of his leadership, pastoral dedication, and deep love for the Church. His extensive experience across various parishes, his academic background, and his contributions to the liturgical and administrative life of the Archdiocese make him a fitting choice to lead the Basilica. As he begins this new chapter in his ministry, the faithful of Onitsha archdiocese can look forward to continued spiritual enrichment under his stewardship.
