Rev. Fr. Livinus Obijiofor
The nativity of Rev. Fr. Livinus Chukwujekwu Mcdonald Obijiofor (Fr. Ogiriga) is the birth of simplicity, humility and friendliness, evidential by testimonies. He was born in the early hours of Tuesday, 20th January, 1976 in Warri Delta State (formerly Bendel State) into the christian family of Late Mr. & Mrs. Joseph and Josephine Obijiofor of Ibenabo village, Oraukwu in Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra. Fr. Ogiriga, as fondly called by friends is the 3rd son and the 5th child of the nine children of his parents.
He commenced his primary school in Warri and completed at Ezza Road Primary School, Abakaliki. As a child, his utmost desire was to save lives and so he decided to either be a medical doctor or a catholic priest. Out of volition and with eagerness towards achieving his dreams he enrolled into St. Augustine’s Junior Seminary, Ezzangbo between 1990 and 1995. His track records as a focused gentleman merited him furtherance towards the ministerial priesthood. And so, he was accepted to undertake one year Spiritual Year programme. The successful completion of this programme led to the Bishop sending him to St. Joseph’s Major Seminary Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State where he distinguished himself with a double degree: Bachelor of Philosophy (B. Phil) from the prestigious Pontifical Urban University, Rome and Bachelor of Arts (B. A) from the University of Uyo, Nigeria. He went to Mount Carmel Parish, Ngbo for one year apostolic work in the year 2000. He went on render pastoral services at the Holy Mother Church in 2001 and was then re-posted to the St. Jospeh’s Major Seminary for four years theological studies, where he acquired a degree of Bachelor in Divine in 2005. He was ordained a Catholic priest in the order of Melchizedek on Saturday, 9th July, 2005 by his Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Nnachi Okoro, the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese at St. Theresa’s Cathedral, Abakaliki.
His call to the Sacrament of Holy Orders was a landmark in his apostolic assignment; a dream come through. His first pastoral assignment in September, 2005 was at St. Endan’s Parish in Umuoghara town of Ezza North L.G.A, where he worked diligently in both infrastructural development and spiritual upliftment. His meritorious efforts at St. Endan’s remains a cradle of the edificial church project for which the parish is known, these projects have left a glorious song on the lips of the entire parishioners. His unparalleled zeal and relentless effort convincingly made the Bishop to consider him qualified for a greater task towards the development of Abakaliki diocese; hence his posting to St. Patrick’s Parish, Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki in September, 2007.
His arrival to St.Patrick’s in the last quarter of 2007 marked the beginning of a new era: an era of new developments; an era of youth empowerment and lots more. He worked passionately to ensure that his new parish takes a new look physically and spiritually. This attitude of hard work with dedication and commitment made certain what most parishioners do refer today as the total reformation of St. Patrick’s as a parish. It is penitent to know these years of apostolic experience have enlisted lots of sterling records which include but not limited to: all round renovation of the Father’s house and compound, renovation of the church buildings, beautification of the church environment, construction of parish secretariat and many more. Thus, the elevated status of the parish has made it so attractive that various societies and organizations wish to use the parish for hosting meetings and gatherings; one os such was the hosting of the Bishop Conference of Nigeria (2012) where the parish became the meeting point.
Furthermore, Fr. Obijiofor assumed the position of the Administrator of Annunciation Schools, Abakaliki from November 2012 till date. His dedication and zeal for the service of God in particular and humanity in general have contributed immensely to the highly esteemed present status of this noble institution. Besides improving the academic and moral standard of the school, his achievements so far remain outstanding that cannot easily be forgotten. Some of these achievements include
- Structural Reformation
- Building of a standard clinic for the school
- Construction of a kitchen
- Construction of a fully equipped playground for the Nursery/Primary sections.
- Equipping the computer laboratory to the standard.
- Fencing of the school’s compound and the boy’s hostel.
- School’s Awards under Fr. Obijiofor’s Administration
- Winner: NYSC Debate Competition(Ebonyi State), 2013
- 1st position: Bishop Shanahan Quiz and Essay Competition, 2013
- Winner: All Mission Schools Football Competition, 2013
- Winner: Centenary Football Competition (Ebonyi State Chapter), 2014
- Winner: Diocesan Drama/Cultural Dance Competition, 2014
He has also greatly touched many lives and has done lots of outstanding works in all the places he was served. Many stunning qualities describe as thus: A man of great patience, with humble and unassuming qualities that endeared him to everyone. His generosity, hospitality, joviality, simple life and natural fondness attract people to him. He upholds the philosophy that “whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well” and has always succeeded in achieving such. He believes in equality for all and never entertained preferential or selective treatment. He is an epitome of a good shepherd.
