The Chief Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ighoyota Amori, has congratulated the Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Ekabo, on the occasion of his 28th Priestly Anniversary, describing the Catholic priest as a committed servant of God whose ministry has continued to impact lives beyond the sanctuary.
Senator Amori, in a congratulatory message contained in a press release made available to newsmen by his Public Relations Officer, Mr. Joelson Wilson, on Sunday, described Fr. Ekabo’s 28 years in the priesthood as a remarkable journey of faith, sacrifice, intellectual engagement, community service and commitment to the spiritual and social wellbeing of the people.
Fr. Ekabo was ordained a Catholic priest in September 1998 and has, over the years, served in a number of parishes in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, including St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sapele; St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Aragba; Holy Family Catholic Church, Edjeba; St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Odion; Our Lady’s and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Balls Pond Road, London; St. Scholastica Catholic Church, Hackney, London; St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ndoni; and St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Aboh.
He currently serves as Parish Priest of Christ the King Catholic Church, Obiaruku, and has held significant responsibilities within the Catholic Diocese of Warri, including service in politics, public relations and government affairs. The Diocese’s current administrative listing also identifies him with responsibilities within its political/public relations structures.
Senator Amori said Fr. Ekabo’s journey demonstrated that priesthood could be a powerful instrument for touching lives, promoting peace and contributing to the development of society.
“For 28 years, Fr. Ekabo has remained in the Lord’s vineyard, serving not only as a priest and pastor, but also as a voice for justice, peace, human dignity and community development. His journey is a testimony to the power of faith expressed through service.”
According to the Chief Adviser, Fr. Ekabo’s contribution to public life has also been remarkable, particularly through his involvement in Christian pilgrimage and interfaith and community engagements.
As Executive Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Fr. Ekabo has been involved in the coordination of the state’s Christian pilgrimage activities. He was also appointed Secretary of the Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board following the constitution of the board by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in December 2023.
Amori noted that the priest’s involvement in Christian pilgrimage had provided opportunities for him to promote prayer, spiritual reflection and concern for the welfare of Deltans.
During a 2025 pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, for instance, Fr. Ekabo joined other Christian leaders in leading prayers for Nigeria and Delta State at significant Christian and biblical sites, including the Western Wall and sites associated with the life of Jesus Christ.
Senator Amori said such engagements reflected the broader dimensions of Fr. Ekabo’s ministry, stressing that the priest had consistently demonstrated concern for both spiritual and temporal issues affecting the people.
He particularly commended Fr. Ekabo for his interest in young people and education, recalling that the priest, through his humanitarian efforts, supported 14 students of Delta State University with N280,000 in 2024 to assist with their educational needs.
The Chief Adviser also acknowledged Fr. Ekabo’s intellectual contribution to public discourse. The priest is the author of works examining social justice and the challenges confronting marginalised communities in Nigeria, including Social Justice in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Contextualising the Prophetic Ministry of the Church. He also authored A Presidential Option for the Nigerian Marginalised: A Theological Approach.
According to Amori, the combination of priestly ministry, intellectual engagement, community service and public responsibilities has made Fr. Ekabo a bridge between the Church and wider society.
He further acknowledged the priest’s support for the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, particularly his appreciation of the Governor’s development agenda and emphasis on projects and programmes aimed at improving the lives of Deltans.
“Father Ekabo has demonstrated, over the years, that genuine Christian leadership must be concerned about the wellbeing of the people. His ministry speaks to the need for faith to translate into compassion, responsibility, peace-building and service to humanity.”
Senator Amori described Fr. Ekabo as accessible, intellectually engaging and committed to the common good, noting that his contributions have extended across religious, community, educational, professional and public-service spheres.
He recalled that Governor Oborevwori had similarly acknowledged Fr. Ekabo’s contributions during the priest’s 25th anniversary celebration, praying that God would continue to multiply His grace and make him a greater blessing to the Church and humanity.
The Chief Adviser therefore congratulated the celebrant and prayed for God’s continued protection, wisdom, strength and grace as he enters another chapter of his priestly ministry.
“Dear Father Ekabo, 28 years in the Lord’s vineyard is not merely a milestone; it is a testimony of God’s faithfulness and a reminder of the lives that have been touched through your ministry.
“On this special anniversary, I celebrate with you and thank God for the gift of your priestly ministry to the Church, Delta State and humanity. May the Almighty God renew your strength, deepen your wisdom and grant you greater grace to continue serving His people.
“May the years ahead bring greater fruitfulness to your ministry and more opportunities to inspire, reconcile, educate and positively impact society. Congratulations, Reverend Father, and Ad multos annos!”»l
Senator Amori extended his congratulations to Fr. Ekabo’s family, parishioners, colleagues in the Catholic Diocese of Warri, friends, associates and all those who have shared in his 28-year journey of priestly service.
