Great individuals in every society play a vital role in shaping its essence and guiding its development towards a brighter future. Through thoughtful ideas and well-executed plans and policies, societies have the potential to grow and thrive. It is widely accepted that the words and actions of individuals significantly influence the world around us societies rise and fall, wax and wane on words and works. That words and works of men shape the world is beyond contestation. The combination of right words and effective works fosters a thriving society a vibrant social ecosystem.
Throughout history, great societies have emerged thanks to the collective efforts of visionary ideas, dedicated leaders, and engaged citizens committed to making a positive difference. The incredible transformation of Dubai by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the rapid development of Singapore from a third-world nation to a first-world society under Lee Kuan Yew, or the impactful changes in China initiated by Chairman Mao underscores the importance of matching great ideas with decisive action.
While not all leaders have successfully aligned their words with their works, transformational leaders do not fail to cultivate a stronger connection between their visions and their practical implementations. By so doing, societies avoid stagnation and instead embark on a path of meaningful progress and development. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka and an emeritus professor of Philosophy of the Pontifical Urbanian University, Rome, exemplifies the balance of ideas and actions in his ministry. So far, he has dedicated four decades as a priest and a dozen years as a bishop to inflame hearts, inspire minds and transform lives.
The reach of his nourishing spiritual guidance extends well beyond his local Church, impacting the lives of many. Indeed, the impact of his faith-filled, hope-inspiring, and life-giving ministry transcends geographical boundaries, attracting souls to Christ from across Nigeria and beyond. Fondly referred to as ‘Father Bishop’, he enthrals the Nsukka sub-national group, the Igbo nation, and Nigeria as a whole with his stunning ideas— always ancient yet refreshingly new—that advocate for a comprehensive transformation of humans. His vision aims for the holistic development of individuals, fostering a deep and meaningful spiritual experience.
The authenticity and alignment between his words and works make his teachings compelling and resonate deeply with his congregation. This sincerity in his pastoral approach makes it easy for the flock to submit to his care, resulting in a rewarding and life-enhancing journey of faith. Bishop Onah’s ability to connect with people and inspire them towards a greater purpose is a testament to his impactful leadership The harmonious intercourse of great ideas and right actions reaches an orgasmic point in the melange that produces fruits of greatness. It fosters the maturation of the seeds of glory sown and watered in the process for the benefit of humanity. When dreams align with determination, greatness readily follows.
Through the economics of ideas tailored for a significant impact, Father Bishop has bridged the gap between ideation and action, ‘ideaction’, creating a transformative experience in the lives of his audience. His actions speak louder than his words, and his words perform better than his actions. Because words transform both by informing and performing, they can immerse hearts and heads to activate the operations of the hands. Many are deeply moved and set on fire by his words and their confirmation in his works, prompting them to follow similar path of growth and commitment. Father Bishop’s sermons and contributions to soul and nation-building resonate with so much power that makes them irresistible.
They lead to significant decisions and renewed convictions that drive individuals on their life journeys. They inform and perform and, therefore, transform the lives of the hearers. The taxonomy of his ministry lies in the dynamic relationship of words and his works. Both aspects work together to inform, perform, and transform. Unlike many who may articulate well but fail to deliver, Father Bishop exemplifies a rare synergy of speaking and acting, embodying the essence of true leadership and impact. He speaks and performs. The achievements of his ministry extend far beyond mere physical and material measurements.
Father Bishop has courageously challenged many entrenched structures of evil, injustice, and exclusion, exemplified by his advocacy for the abolition of caste systems within cultural, political, and economic contexts. His resolute stance against bad governance and corruption, his fight against fraudulent practices, and his commitment to dismantling the Osu caste system in Eha-Alumona, and prophetic fight against the corruption of Igbo culture in the name of religio-cultural renaissance reflect his deep commitment to social justice.
Through active engagement, he has been strategically addressing and undermining practices that are detrimental to both the Christian faith and human dignity. His ministry serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the existential paths for many, and source of inspiration, motivation, and direction as he guides individuals and communities toward positive change. Each of his anniversaries symbolizes a significant chapter marked by countless transformations among individuals, institutions, and communities that resonate with the ultimate purpose of Christian existence. His unwavering dedication to fostering a just society and addressing cultural disparities underscores the profound impact of his work, inspiring those around him to strive for a better and more equitable world.
Transformation requires a new form, as the ancient thinker has posited that realities are composed of forms. The state of progress, conversion, and development stem from the nature of the already internalised forms. When ideas are presented, one gets fresh form (information) that is fresh perspective, inspiring engagement with reality in profound ways (performation) that lead to transformation. Through his homilies, lectures, speeches, teachings, and intellectual contributions, he engages in both deconstruction and construction. His impact presents him as phototropic as well as geotropic grows towards the heights of light and deepens his roots in God.
He shoots to the heights and roots to the depths, in the awareness that deep roots yield great fruits. His commitment to a friendship with the Lord shapes his spirituality, which is fully incarnated and fully embodied. His incarnational approach centred on Christ avoids the pitfalls of neo-gnosticism and new-pelagianism. Unlike the public officials and wannabes who seek applause, he embodies the essence of a fulfilled servant, like the magnanimous Mary grateful for the work it pleases the Lord to accomplish through him. He appreciates his achievements with a humble heart, acknowledging the greatness of God’s actions in his life. His humility does not detract from his magnanimity; rather, it complements the essence of his person—a humble servant (humility) and a great soul (magnanimity), attributing all glory to God.
His mission involves being a co-creator with God in forming a new tribe of great souls out of the flock it has pleased the Lord to entrust to his care, out of Nsukka sub-nation and out the teaming citizens of Nigeria in need and search of direction, meaning and happiness. This commitment has led him to establish various infrastructures and structures aimed at educating hearts, training minds, and equipping hands. Through intellectual empowerment, spiritual enrichment, and professional training, he leads the diocese in comprehensive human capital development.
This includes schools, hospitals, parishes, instruments of koinonia, technical schools, priests’ education, and grassroots evangelization. Since inheriting 111 parishes and 3 chaplaincies from Bishop Francis Okobo in 2013, Father Bishop has created an additional 123 parishes and 2 chaplaincies to ensure that the Christian faith is proclaimed and strengthened throughout the diocese. One of the most significant achievements of his ministry is the completion and dedication of St. Theresa’s Cathedral Nsukka, a stunning structure that embodies divine beauty and mystery. Some of his other accomplishments include:
– The construction of a new Spiritual Year Seminary with modern facilities.
– The impressive Bishop’s Court (Domus Patris).
– The comprehensive renovation of St. John Cross Seminary, Nsukka.
– The renovation and expansion of Bishop Shanahan Hospital and the College of Nursing Sciences.
– The establishment of a bottled water company (Aqua Gregis Table Water).
– The creation of a printing press.
– The promotion of digital evangelization.
– The establishment of skill acquisition centres for the youth. – The implementation of compulsory continuing education for priests, ensuring that each priest obtains at least a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. His most significant achievements, however, are not merely measurable or tangible. They lie in the many lives that have been impacted and transformed and the countless souls he has touched. He confronts the axis of evil by inspiring the multitude to develop a new friendship with Jesus. Because of his ministry over the years, many have encountered Christ, and many more seek to see Jesus.
• Very Rev. Fr George Adimike is the Director of Social Communications, Archdiocese of Lagos. He can be reached via findfadachigozie@gmail.com.
