By Blessing Nneoma Nebo
A change of guards has occurred at Fides Media, Awka, with Rev Fr Mark Obiora Ikeh becoming the new Director. He replaced Rev Fr Dr Robert Anagboso. Fr Ikeh was posted alongside Rev Fr Cyprian Nwabueze, who becomes Deputy Director II at Fides, while Rev Fr Constantine Echichechi Okoli, who served with Fr Anagboso, retained his position as Fides Deputy Director I.
This was announced by the outgone Director, Fr Anagboso, during a valedictory Mass at Fides Chapel, Monday, October 6.
Delivering the homily at the Mass, Fr. Okoli, who reflected on two key questions drawn from the day’s readings: “Where are you going?” and “Who are you?”, explained that in the Gospel, the man who journeyed from Jerusalem to Jericho represented one moving away from peace towards a place of danger and temptation. Jerusalem, he said, symbolized peace, joy, and happiness; while Jericho represented struggle and moral challenge.
Fr. Okoli emphasized that even though life’s journey might lead the faithful through Jericho (representing places of difficulty), help would always come, sometimes from unexpected sources, as seen in the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Fr. Constantine further encouraged the staff members of Fides to always remember their true identity in God, urging them to remain steadfast in faith and never forget that God alone provided strength and direction in all circumstances.
Later at a meeting convened to formally introduce the new Director and Deputy, the outgone Director, Fr Anagboso, expressed deep appreciation to the entire Fides Family for their cooperation and support during his time with them. He then officially handed over the mantle of leadership to the new Directors, Rev. Fr. Mark Obiorah Ikeh and Rev. Fr. Cyprian Nwabueze; as well as Fr. Constantine Okoli, who continues to serve at Fides.
A formal introduction of the new Directors followed, during which Fr. Ikeh thanked Fr. Anagboso for his dedication, leadership, and contributions to the growth of Fides Media. He also commended the staff members for their teamwork and urged them to continue working together as one family for the progress of the organization and the Church.
Fr. Ikeh further appreciated Fr. Okoli for what he described as his continued service and commitment to the company’s mission, just as he encouraged all members of the Fides Family to maintain a spirit of unity and cooperation.
A personal introduction was made by each member of staff, after which a formal address of appreciation was delivered by Mr. Jude Atupulazi, Editor-in-Chief of Fides Newspaper. He commended Fr. Anagboso for what he described as his selfless efforts and leadership, describing him as his personal friend.
The meeting ended in a warm and joyful atmosphere after the Fides Family bade farewell to Fr. Anagboso with heartfelt appreciation for his service, dedication, and hospitality, wishing him continued success in his future pastoral assignment.
Resume of Fr. Mark Obiora Ikeh
Fr Mark Ikeh is a native of Ifitedunu and of St. Mary’s Parish. He is the last of the five children of the late Mr. Peter Ikeh and the late Mrs. Elizabeth Ike. He is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, ordained on July 15, 2023.
He had his first assignment as the Assistant Cathedral Administrator II of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka for 2 years. He also served there as the Manager of Udoka Nursery and Primary School, Awka, inside the Cathedral compound.
Fr Ikeh is reputed to have uplifted the school and changed its history to a better one.
He had his primary education at Faith Day Basic School and later continued at Handmaids Infant Jesus Nursery and Primary School, Awka, Anambra State. His secondary school education was at both St. Dominic Savio Seminary, Akpu and St. JohnBosco Seminary Isuaniocha.
He studied Philosophy (Bachelor’s Degree) at Pope John Paul II Major Seminary, Okpuno, (an affiliate institute of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome) where he obtained a double First Class B.A., Unizik and B.Phil, Rome.
He studied Theology at Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, where he was found worthy by his formators to serve as the First Auxiliary of Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu as a Deacon.
Fr Ikeh, who becomes the youngest Director of Fides by ordination and age, is known to be goal oriented and passionate about excellence.
Rev Fr Cyprian Nwabueze, Dep Director II
Rev. Fr. Cyprian Kenechukwu Nwabueze is a native of Ukpommili Village, Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government of Anambra State.
He had his nursery and primary education at Mayrays Montessori School, Housing Estate, Onitsha.
He proceeded to St. Dominic Savio Seminary and St. John Bosco Seminary, Isuaniocha, for his secondary school education. He had his Philosophical Studies at Pope John Paul II Major Seminary, Okpuno, during which he was the Sub-Editor, West African Journal of Philosophical Studies (WAJOPS) and the Editorial Secretary of Focus Magazine (the official magazine of the Seminary).
He had his Theological Studies at Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu. Upon the completion of his Theological Studies, he was ordained to the Catholic Priesthood by Most. Rev. Paulinus C. Ezeokafor, the Catholic Bishop of Awka.
He has been appointed at Fides Media as the Deputy Director II.
Additional report from Jude Atupulazi
