By Fr. Anthony Adetayo and Fr. Alfred-Matthew Nworie

The Apostolic Nuncio to the Czech Republic, His Excellency Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, has thrown his full weight behind the ongoing construction of a new museum in the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode.

Speaking at the funeral ceremony of Lady Bibian Okafor in Unubi, Nnewi Diocese, on 5^th January 2025, the Archbishop described the project spearheaded by Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina as a vital contribution to the preservation of the Church’s legacy in Nigeria.

Archbishop Okolo, who has served the Church across the globe, drew from his extensive international experience to emphasize the significance of Bishop Adesina’s vision. He noted that the effort to document and display ecclesiastical history is a hallmark of a thriving faith community.

“I have worked in five continents and I have seen efforts to preserve history and heritage by Bishops. It is something wonderful,” the Nuncio remarked.

Recalling his personal ties to the region through his time with the Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSP), Archbishop Okolo expressed a deep sense of connection to the Ijebu-Ode Diocese. He praised the initiative as a “wonderful” undertaking that ensures the sacrifices and milestones of the past are not lost to future generations.

Addressing Bishop Adesina directly regarding the museum project, the Archbishop stated: “To Bishop Adesina, we are standing with you in this task.” The museum serves as a bridge between the historical roots of the mission and the contemporary Church. The Nuncio’s endorsement highlights the project’s importance not just locally, but as a model for heritage preservation across the Nigerian Church.

The museum in Ijebu-Ode is expected to house significant artifacts, documents, and historical records related to the growth of Catholicism in the region. By creating a dedicated space for these items, the Diocese aims to educate the youth and provide a scholarly resource for those studying the intersection of faith and culture in Yorubaland.