A tribute to a blessing in human form, a truly wonderful, generous and jovial soul!!
I met you in secondary school in the 90’s briefly as our chaplain in FGGC Bwari, Abuja and you were soon transferred out.
Rev. Fr. (Dr) Willy Ojukwu was not just a Priest, but a father, brother, mentor and counsellor to the CWO ladies of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja He was greatly loved for his kindness, candour, sense of humour and wisdom in dealing with his parishioners.
His love for holy trinity church Maitama was just too much. When he decided to set up an Association for Widows in the parish, which he called Saint Monica and appealed with Barr Mrs Chinyere Ufere as the pioneer president of saint Monica Assassination in holy trinity church Maitama. Sir Paul Okeleke and myself were appointed as patron and metron respectively to work with them.
As we celebrate the 10th Memorial Anniversary of our dear Rev. Fr. Willy Ojukwu, fondly known as Fr. “O”, we remember with deep nostalgia, love and gratitude the precious moments and memories we shared with him.
Father Ojukwu will forever be a core part of the earliest memories of holy trinity. He loved us children and would allow us to come up on the altar during service during those early days.
I will never forget how you stood by me when I had a car accident. At a time when I was broken — in body and in spirit — you were there. You visited, you prayed, you encouraged, and you reminded my family that God was still in control. You were not just a priest to me, you were a father, a friend, and a true shepherd.
If anyone mentions Rev. Fr. Willy Ojukwu’s name, what resonates is a servant of God who built with love and passion, the magnificent Holy Trinity Maitama Church building. He was indeed a true legend when it comes to building for the Lord.
Father Ojukwu was more than a Parish priest to me and my family, firstly, at Holy Trinity Church Maitama, and later at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Gwarinpa 2, both in Abuja, but was a Spiritual Father, family friend, and confidant to my husband, Martin and myself ….
Ten years after your passing into glory, the Catholic Men Organization of Holy Trinity Parish, Maitama, remembers with profound gratitude Rev. Fr. Dr. Willy Ojukwu, our pioneer Parish Priest, spiritual father and visionary builder.
Father, you did more than establish a Parish. You planted the foundations of a Trinitarian family. Through your vision, sacrifice, and leadership, you mobilised parishioners, especially the men, to take ownership of the mission of building the Church and strengthening the Christian family.
Father Ojukwu’s life and times deserve to be remembered as a witness to faith, service, and uncommon devotion. Ordained on 16 July 1983 as the first Abuja Catholic priest, he entered the priesthood with a clear sense of mission and went on to shape the Church in meaningful ways.
