About Us

St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Orozo began with great faith and humble beginnings. The church was officially opened on 17th April 1987 by Rev. Fr. Richard Divine (S.M.A.) of blessed memory, with the first Holy Mass celebrated at Elder Sunday Akpara’s shop in Angwan Madaki. This was made possible through the support of Catechist Sylvester Dalok, who served as the parish catechist at the time.

The church was originally named Our Lady of Fatima, and later renamed St. Andrew Kaggwa, in honor of one of the 22 Uganda Martyrs of East Africa. The first full-station catechist was Mr. Mathew Ogelebe, who began his service on 17th August 1988. He played a major role in evangelizing labourers working at the newly built Federal Technical College, Orozo.

The college itself was established in 1988. Through the efforts of three Catholic staff members, Mr. Charles Nodi, Mr. Helen, and Mr. Agaku, the then Principal, Alhaji Baba Goni, graciously permitted the Catholic community to use the school premises for worship. As the community grew, Mr. Emmanuel Ede was appointed the first station council chairman, serving for three years.

The parish recorded its first wedding at the Federal Technical College between Late Mr. John Jjack and Mrs. J. Jack, followed by a mass wedding of four couples, including Elder Bernard Ogah (Alapa of Idoma), who remains a committed member of the parish to this day.

From September 1988 to December 1993, the Catholic faithful worshipped at the college. In January 1994, the community moved to L.E.A. Primary School Orozo while construction of the main church progressed. On 8th April 1994, the parish relocated to its present site opposite the Federal Science Technical College.

A landmark moment was the first pastoral visit of His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. John Onaiyekan, on 11th February 1996, during the tenure of Rev. Fr. Dominic Oguama (MSP). Over the years, many priests shepherded the community, including:

• Rev. Fr. Jerry Ama (SJ)
• Rev. Fr. Anthony Ogeous
• Rev. Fr. Paul Ukpon (MSP)
• Rev. Fr. Anthony Afangede (MSP)
• Rev. Fr. Jude Iroh (MSP)
• Rev. Fr. Uche Umechikelu
• Rev. Fr. Mathias Efiri Selemobiri

Several catechists also served faithfully, including Late Catechist James Garba, Catechist Paul Atone (now a Carmelite Brother), Catechist Augustine, Catechist Yakubu Gyara, and Catechist Bernard Dakat. The current Catechists include Mr. John Aigboinedu and Mrs. Patricia Akpan

The station’s growth was supported by dedicated station chairmen, including Elder Emmanuel Ede (pioneer chairman), Mr. Onimegbu, Late David Ishaya, Mr. Atasaka Hyacinth, Anayo Okafor, Engr. Mathew Ndo, Mr. Paul Udenyi, Mr. P. Y. Otalike, and Mr. Christian Chukwu.

On 1st May 2018, St. Andrew’s Outstation was formally erected as a Parish. Rev. Fr. Jude Nwigwe was the first priest assigned, serving briefly before Rev. Fr. Festus Okoye took over on 7th August 2018.

The parish is currently under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Fr. Ben Onyemechalu, who continues to guide the community with dedication and quiet commitment. His focus on unity, faith growth, and active parish involvement is helping the parish move forward steadily.