Joseph Edra Ukpo

His Excellency

Joseph Edra Ukpo
Archbishop Emeritus of Calabar
Appointed17 December 2003
Term ended2 February 2013
PredecessorBrian David Usanga
SuccessorJoseph Effiong Ekuwem
Previous postsAuxiliary Bishop of Ogoja and Titular Bishop of Chullu (1971–1973)
Bishop of Ogoja (1973–2003)
Orders
Ordination25 April 1965
Consecration19 September 1971
by Thomas McGettrick
Personal details
Born(1937-06-06)6 June 1937
Died1 March 2023(2023-03-01) (aged 85)

Joseph Edra Ukpo (6 June 1937 – 1 March 2023) was a Nigerian Catholic prelate who was the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Calabar from his appointment in 2003,[1] succeeding Brian David Usanga,[2] until his retirement in 2013.[1]

Ukpo was born at Okpoma in the Cross River State.[3] He was the brother of Nigerian military Brigadier General (Retired) Anthony Ukpo.[4] Ukpo died on 1 March 2023, at the age of 85.[1] He died from a brief illness in Calabar after serving as a priest for over 50 years.[5] He was ordained a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja on 25th April 1965.[5]

He was later appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese on 24 April 1971 and on 1 March 1973, he was appointed as the substantive Bishop of the Diocese before becoming the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Calabar on 17 December 2003.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c Cheney, David M. "Archbishop Joseph Edra Ukpo". Catholic-hierarchy.org.
  2. ^ "Archdiocese of Calabar: Archbishop Brian David Usanga resigns, bishop Joseph Edra Ukpo appointed". Agenzia Fides. 17 December 2003.
  3. ^ "UKPO, (Bishop) Joseph Edra". Biographical Legacy & Research Foundation Nigeria. 30 March 2017.
  4. ^ "Ukpos to bury three family members in 12 days". Calitown. 19 September 2021.
  5. ^ a b c Ulom, Frank (2 March 2023). "Catholic Emeritus Archbishop Joseph Ukpo dies at 85". Converseer. Retrieved 3 March 2023.

Further reading

  • Jake Omang Otonko, ed. (2017). The golden pearl & celebrated icon : Archbishop Joseph Edra Ukpo : essays in honour of the Archbishop at his 80th Birthday. Kaduna, Nigeria: Pyla-mak Services Ltd.