A Catholic priest, Rev. Steve Chukwuma, has died after collapsing at the pulpit while delivering a New Year’s Day homily at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Agbor, in Delta State.
According to a report by PM News Nigeria, the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, during the New Year Mass. Rev. Chukwuma, who was 63 years old, reportedly slumped while addressing worshippers, causing panic and shock among members of the congregation who witnessed the incident.
Efforts were immediately made to revive him, but he was later confirmed dead. The sudden loss has plunged parishioners and the wider Catholic community in Delta State into deep mourning.
Rev. Chukwuma dedicated 35 years of his life to the priesthood and was widely respected for his commitment to pastoral service, compassion for the vulnerable, and emphasis on human dignity and spiritual growth. Beyond his clerical duties, he was also known as a lawyer and writer, roles through which he contributed to both the Church and society.
Tributes have continued to pour in from parishioners, fellow priests, religious leaders, and former altar servers, many of whom described him as gentle, humble, and unwavering in his dedication to the Church. In a Facebook tribute, Oseghale Omo Akioya described the late priest as “a beacon of hope and inspiration,” noting that his passion for ministry and pastoral care left a lasting impact on generations of faithful who served alongside him from the late 1980s.
Born on June 5, 1962, in Agbor, Rev. Chukwuma began his religious journey early as an altar server at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He received his primary and secondary education at Ngala Primary School and Ika Grammar School before entering the seminary in 1982 to formally pursue his vocation.
His priestly formation included a Spiritual Year at St. Paul’s Missionary Seminary, Iperu Remo, followed by studies at SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, where he completed his training in 1990.
Rev. Chukwuma was ordained a priest on August 18, 1990, by Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Gbuji. Over the course of his ministry, he served in several parishes across Delta State, including St. Brigid’s Catholic Church in Asaba, All Saints Catholic Church in Onicha Ugbo, and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Ubulu Uku.
He also held key leadership and formation roles within the Church, serving as Rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme Aniogor, and later as Dean of the St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year campus in Ekpoma, where he mentored and guided numerous seminarians preparing for the priesthood.
As news of his death spread, members of the Catholic faithful and the wider community continued to express grief and gratitude for a life of service marked by faith, humility, and dedication. The Catholic Diocese has yet to announce details of funeral arrangements.
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