History of Parish

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Nagazi-Uvete began when the first Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. George Ehusani on 7th May, 1986 under a cashew tree behind the former library of R. C. M primary school, Nagazi-Uvete. The number of people in attendance at that Mass was twelve.

After a month, the church was moved to the classroom behind the upper part of the field. To have enough land for the mission, the indigenous member was commissioned to approach the owner of the land adjacent the field.

The land, which belonged to Pa Yusuf Otohinoyi of the Ezi Adeika lineage in Adavi L. G. A, was six plots: 300ft by 450ft. It was negotiated for and purchased on the 4th of December, 1986.

Upon the transfer of Fr. George Ehusani, Fr. Barnabas Anikoh who became the Parish Priest started the building of the church. Fr. Francis Jude Ododo continued with the building which was completed by Fr. Bitrus Yaromaikyau.

As an outstation under Osisi parish, the following Priests worked at Nagazi-Uvete:

• Late Fr. J. J. Onotu
• Late Fr. George Ohuei
• Fr. Emmanuel Ogunleye
• Fr. Ambrose Olowo
• Fr. Mark Ajiga
• Fr. Gabriel Ajibogun
• Rev. Fr. Michael Osunnaiye

On the 5th of July, 2009, Most Rev. Dr. Martin Olorunmolu raised St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Nagazi-Uvete to the status of a parish.

EFFORT ON EVANGELIZATION:

The Church started as an outstation of St. Leo’s parish, Osisi. After the first Mass which was celebrated on May 7^th, 1986, the population of the member began to increase and there was the need for Catechism Instructors. Pa Joseph Anibasa and Late Pa Mark Ohuei took up the challenge and they began to teach catechism. We remember the contributions in cash and kind of the following deceased members: late Mr. John Adaba and late Mr. John Isezuo.

Previous Priests