Emeritus archbishop of Calabar passes on after brief illness
Joseph Edra Ukpo the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Calabar passed on yesterday March 1st 2023 after a brief illness.
Born on June 6, 1937 in Okpoma, Yala LGA of Cross River State, Ukpo was ordained a Catholic Priest on April 25, 1965 and appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Ogoja on April 24, 1971 and was confirm Bishop of Ogoja on March 1, 1973. He was the first Nigerian – born and black African Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, a suffragan diocese of the archdiocese of Calabar.
He was appointed Archibishop of Calabar on December 17, 2003 succeeding late Bishop Brian David Usanga and retired on February 2, 2013.
Late Archbishop Ukpo had served as Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Cross River State.
In a press release, Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the Governor on Religious Matters, Rev. Father Bob Etta confirmed the death of the late Emeritus Catholic Archbishop, saying the deceased will be missed for his role in building bridges among diverse denominations and disclosed that the burial arrangement of the late spiritual icon will be made public after due consultation with the church and his immediate family.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)