By Andrew Darah
On Thursday, January 1st 2025, the Catholic community of Agbor and beyond was shaken when *Rev. Fr. Steve Chukwuma*, beloved Parish Priest of *St. Joseph Catholic Church*, collapsed at the pulpit while delivering his New Year’s Day homily. He was 63 years old.
Rev. Fr. Steve Chukwuma started as an altar server at *St. John the Baptist Catholic Church* in his hometown of Agbor. He completed his Spiritual Year at *St. Paul’s Missionary Seminary, Iperu‑Remo* and priestly studies at *SS Peter & Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan in 1990. He was ordained a Catholic Priest August 18 1990, by Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Gbuji.
As a priest, he revived youths outreach programs in
St. Brigid’s, Asaba where he served from 1990 to 1995 .
In All Saints, Onicha‑Ugbo where he worked from 1995‑2000, He Built the first community library.
In St. Michael’s, Ubulu‑Uku where he served from 2000 till 2005, he Initiated health‑clinic partnership.
As Rector, St. Felix Minor Seminary Ejeme‑Aniogor from 2005 till 2012, he Mentored over 120 seminarians.
He was Dean, St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year Ekpoma from 2012 to 2020.
Beyond the Pulpit Rev. Fr. Steve Chukwuma, holds a law degree and often mediated community disputes.
He was the Author “Echoes of Faith”– a collection of reflective essays on mercy and justice.
As an Advocate, he Championed human‑dignity initiatives, partnering with NGOs to provide clean water in rural Delta villages.
The Day He Fell
Eyewitnesses recall the solemn moment: the congregation stood in prayer, the air thick with anticipation, when Fr. Chukwuma’s voice faltered, his knees buckled, and he slipped to the altar steps. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but his spirit had already departed, leaving a hushed sanctuary filled with tears and whispered prayers.
According to Oseghale Omo Akioya via Facebook, Rev. Fr. Steve Chukwuma was a beacon of hope and inspiration; his zeal still lights our hearts.
A former Altar Server, Mary Egbuna said, “he taught me that service is love in action; his smile could calm a storm.” According to Bishop Emmanuel Okonkwo “A humble shepherd who shepherded souls with wisdom and compassion.”
Rev. Fr. Steve Chukwuma is to be buried on Friday 28th January 2026.
*May the soul of late Rev. Fr. Steve Chukwuma and the soul of all the faithful department through the mercy God continue to rest in peace*,
