Very Rev. Father Andrew Aigbe Obiyan: The New ‘Kid’ On The Block Going Into Edo State Guber. Election In 2024.
By Ebor Cletus Ralph Jr.
Very Rev. Obinyan’s profile has been making the rounds recently, perhaps, due to his dedication to lifting up the downtrodden in society.
Edolites across a broad spectrum of the society have been focusing on Father Obinyan, the parish priest at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benin City, for what they refer to as his visionary leadership that is primed to provide the people the best possible start in life.
The overwhelming embrace of Father Obinyan’s profile has been heartwarming positive. So many people have praised his humility, discipline, charisma, openness, patriotism, and commitment. Due to these traits, he has won the hearts of many Nigerians who regard him as a true “goal getter”.
He has been dubbed a visionary leader with the power to change the political narrative of Edo state. Others have also commended him for his selflessness, claiming that he prioritizes the needs of the people before his own comfort.
Besides, many people have praised Rev. Obinyan’s discipline and dedication to excellence. His accomplishments in areas other than missionary work, such as education and community development, have been mentioned as evidence of his capacity to deliver results.
He has also received appreciation for his openness and candour, and he has been lauded as a leader who can be relied upon to act responsibly.
In addition to his personal qualities, Rev. Obinyan’s patriotism has been highlighted by many. His love for Nigeria and his commitment to making a positive impact in his community has earned him the respect and admiration of many Nigerians.
Due to the overwhelming enthusiasm that Rev. Obinyan’s profile has generated over the years and the positive responses it has received thereof, we are pleased to present to you a detailed profile of the VERY REV FR. ANDREW AIGBE OBINYAN.
PROFILE OF VERY REV FR. ANDREW AIGBE OBINYAN
Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Aigbe Obinyan was born on November 28, 1967 (55 years). He is a Catholic Priest of the Archdiocese of Benin City, Nigeria, and he is from Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area, Edo State.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
He attended Ubiaja’s St Benedict Primary School. He began his secondary education at St John Bosco’s College Ubiaja and then transferred to Annunciation College, ACC, Irrua and St. Paul Minor Seminary in Benin City to complete the prerequisites for the degree-awarding Major Seminary.
Fr. Obinyan sensed the spark and tremendous force of priestly vocation with new and astounding clarity, and in answer to God’s call, he progressed to the Major Seminaries of Saints Peter and Paul, Ekpoma and Ibadan, respectively. There he began to appreciate the Catholic Priesthood and developed a strong desire to embrace it.
Fr. Obinyan’s Seminary training spanned nine years beginning from October 1989 and was crowned with his Ordination as a Deacon on April 19,1998. He received the brightest ecclesiastical crown and most cherished gift of Priestly Ordination on October 18, 1998.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
B.A . Philosophy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
B.Th. Pontifical Urban University,Rome ,Italy.
M.A . Pastoral Theology Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt
PhD Candidate , University of Benin, Nigeria.
PARISHES OF ASSIGNMENT
Fr. Obinyan has served in the following Catholic churches:
St.Vincent Catholic Church(Now Immaculate Conception Cathedral Auchi). Assistant & Parish Priest ,1998 – 2003.
St.Thomas Aquinas Catholic Catholic, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City. Parish Priest, 2003 -2003
Corpus Christi Cathedral, Port Harcourt (as student supply)-2003 – 2005.
St. Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City,Parish Priest ,2005 – 2006.
St.Patrick Catholic Church Ugbowo, Benin City, Parish Priest, 2006 – 2012.
St.Albert Catholic Church, University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin City -2012-2022.
St.Francis Catholic Church Ekehuan Road, Benin City -2022-till date.
VACATION PARISHES.
St Joseph Catholic Church, Winburg South Africa, 2002-2006.
Catholic Newman Club Howard University, Washington DC, 2008-2010.
Holy Cross Catholic Church Austin Texas, 2011-2022 .
ASSIGNMENTS/OFFICES HELD
Chaplain, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City , 2006 till date.
Chaplain, National Federation of Catholic Students, Archdiocese of Benin City, 2014 till date.
Vicar for Evangelization and Chairman of Evangelization and Biblical Apostolate Commission,Archdiocese of Benin City ,2016 till date.
Chaplain, Edo State Government House Chapel 2008 till date.
Chairman, Edo State Pilgrims Welfare Board ,2009 -2014
Spiritual Director, Corner Stone Orphanage of Hope, Benin City ,2008 till date
Fr. Obinyan is a Priest and a builder with a knack for building, transforming and beautifying churches .
He is a willing instrument to bring Christ’s healing grace to people through the power of the Holy Spirit and his priestly ministry is credited with divine miracles.
Many have described him as an inspirational and charismatic preacher, a motivator, who innovates new approaches to complex pastoral challenges.
He has a heavy heart of compassion for the less privileged in the household of God and the Society. He regards his Priestly ministry as a divine privilege and opportunity to give back unreservedly for the betterment and advancement of Society.
