From the Altar to Eternity: He Began and Finished His Race at St. John the Baptist, Agbor
A Tribute to Very Rev. Fr. (Barr.) Stephen Chukwudumebi Chukwuma
June 5, 1962 – December 31, 2025.
By: Hon.(Sir) Wallace Osoanimgba Okafor.
There are lives that preach louder than words, and there are journeys that come full circle only by divine design.Very Rev. Fr. (Barr.) Stephen Chukwudumebi Chukwuma’s life was one of such sacred journeys. Born on June 5, 1962, to Pa Benedict and Madam Elizabeth Chukwuma of Idumu Obi Quarter, Akumazi-Umuocha, Ika North East LGA of Delta State, he was rooted early in faith, discipline, and service. From Ngala Primary School (1976) to Ika Grammar School (1982), his path was quietly but steadily being shaped by God.
His love for the Church began humbly as an altar server at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, where he served Mass and assisted in liturgical celebrations. That same altar where his hands once trembled as a young server would later become the place where his priestly voice first echoed officially, and, by God’s mysterious will, the very place where he breathed his last, having preached God’s word one final time.
Fr. Steve was a man of deep learning and uncommon versatility. He earned a Diploma in Religious Studies, a Bachelor of Theology from Sts. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Ibadan, and furthered his studies at Urban University, Rome. Ordained a Catholic priest in 1990 by Bishop Anthony Gbuji at St. John the Baptist, Agbor, he went on to serve the Church with zeal, intellect, and compassion.
His ministry took him far and wide:
Dean of Students at St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year Campus, Ekpoma (1990–1995)
Rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme-Aniogor. Member, Delta State Pilgrims Board He served meritoriously at All Saints Catholic Church, Onicha-Ugbo, and witnessed the solemn dedication of St. Charles Catholic Church, Ubulu-Uku, and St. Brigid’s, Asaba. As a parish priest, he was a builder, not only of structures, but of faith communities. He created:
St. Martin of Tours Parish, Igbodo
St. Theresa’s Parish, Obior
Immaculate Conception Parish, Isheagu (while at Ubulu-Uku)
St. Augustine’s Parish, Asaba (while at Ewulu)
Beyond the sanctuary, his light shone in the classroom as a lecturer at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. He was also a prolific author and publisher, leaving behind books that continue to teach and inspire. His work, “My Journey as a Priest and a Lawyer,” stands as a testimony to a man who bridged faith, law, and service with rare excellence. Indeed, he transitioned remarkably, from priest, to lecturer, to barrister, yet never departed from his calling to serve humanity.
We mourn him today with heavy hearts, yet with gratitude. He began preaching God’s word at St. John the Baptist, Agbor, and by God’s perfect wisdom, he ended his earthly preaching at that same holy ground, joining the Lord on December 31, 2025. Just days before his passing, we saw his passion for community advocacy at the 60th birthday celebration of the Obi of Akumazi on December 27, 2025. Only two months ago, he visited our home in Akure, a visit my children still speak of with longing and love.
God knows best.
We love you, Fr. Chukwuma but God loves you more.
Rest on, Nwa Ononwu.
Rest in eternal peace, Very Rev. Fr. (Barr.) Stephen Chukwudumebi Chukwuma..