By Chibunna Esedo
The birth of a child marks the beginning of a profoundly significant event, which is announcing and reaffirming the continuity and perpetuity of humanity. Human life, most times, is acknowledged to be replete with mysteries. One such mystery is the call to live authentically while also identifying with the broader community. When commemorating one’s birthday, there is a compelling need for a thorough evaluation of the immensity and depth of God’s kindness.
This is a time for reflection and accountability, regarding the stewardship of one’s life, a process that unfolds in two stages —— introspection and communication. The goal of this assessment is to determine the extent to which an individual’s life has positively or negatively impacted others, given that humans are fundamentally relational and interdependent. Evaluating one’s life, therefore, serves to highlight the role of divine grace, which enables sacrifice and self-emptying for the benefit of others.
As the writer of the book of Ecclesiastes aptly puts it, “there is really a given time for everything and a time for every happening under heaven.” This particular verse reminds us that everything in life has its own timing and purpose, and that God has a plan for every moment and every event. Regardless of how one would try to manipulate, or to short-change a destiny appointed by God, life’s purpose of every being or creature, must be accomplished. Fr. Michael Tochukwu Chika, a priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, is a living embodiment of this concept.
Perhaps that very morning of April 2, 1980, when a sonorous baby cry came from the labor of Mrs. Augustina Nnodu Chika, little did the world know that the healthy, bouncing dark baby boy she brought forth had been destined in the mind of God to be a priest in the order of Melchizedek. Late Mr. Cletus Obichukwu Chika and his nursing wife, as if both were anticipating that this child would lead others to the praise of God in his generation, he was aptly named ‘Toochukwu’.
His mother, ‘Madam Chika’ —- being a class teacher, ensured that Toochukwu began his formal western education at a very tender age. He started his primary education at Progress Primary School Umunya, Oyi LGA, Anambra State. At school, Toochukwu exhibited exceptional childhood brilliance, earning the pride of his class teachers. During these formative years, Toochukwu demonstrated his inclination towards the things of God, showcasing a desire and longing to participate in religious activities. This inclination was further solidified soon after his first holy communion, when he started nursing the zeal to serve God more faithfully as a priest.
Consequently, upon completing his primary education, Toochukwu was sent to St. Paul’s Seminary, Ukpor to begin his minor seminary formation between 1991 and 1994. After his stay at Ukpor, he was moved to All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha, where he studied from 1994 to 1997 and subsequently took his WASSCE. Toochukwu’s academic prowess earned him a retention to teach at the All Hallows Seminary for one year. He was then sent to St. Anthony’s parish Ihembosi, where he underwent his first apostolic work as a junior seminarian, serving from 1998 to 1999.
However, it was during this period that Tochukwu rethought his vocation, experiencing doubts about his calling to the priesthood. He voluntarily suspended his priestly formation to explore other avenues, starting a business venture. Yet, like Biblical Jonah, the voice of God persisted, calling him back to His service. Tochukwu eventually returned to his priestly formation, now with a renewed conviction that he was destined for God’s service in the Catholic priesthood.
Tochukwu’s priestly formation journey was marked by rigor and dedication. Just like every other Catholic clergy, he underwent rigorous courses, apostolic works, and spiritual years with the Claretians missionaries, holding vital positions within the community. He was installed as a lector in 2006 by Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Emmanuel Edeh, cmf. Toochukwu was ordained a deacon in July 2009 by the then Archbishop of Mombassa, Kenya, the late Most Rev. Boniface Lele. His priestly journey was completed when he was ordained a priest on July 10, 2010, by Most Rev. Hyacinth Oroko Egbebo (MSP), the Catholic Bishop of Bomadi.
As a priest of the Most High God for over a dozen years, Fr. Michael Tochukwu Chika has carried on his priestly ministry with nobility, maturity, simplicity, and apostolic zeal. Through his prayers, words, sacramental celebrations, progressive ingenuity, untiring structural transformations, and other sacerdotal actions, Fr. Chika has impressed heavily in the lives of the people of God.
He stays the course of Christian discipleship, leading his life as an ongoing thanksgiving liturgy, daily celebrated in self-expenditure for the glory of God and the fullness of life of others. Living the sacred vocation of the priesthood as a self-oblative service forms the orientation of the priesthood to life. His philosophy of life recognises human stewardship as the fulcrum of his trusteeship of creation. It is such that by human application of intelligence and industry, man adds value to God’s gift for maximum benefit. In seeking to minister that abundant life for God’s people under his care, Fr. Chika commits himself to equipping, mentoring and building persons to attain the fullest possibilities of their lives and godliness.
The profound value of man with his God-given talents and opportunities is paramount, and this centrality of the human person in the priestly ministry of Fr. Mike Chika is beyond question. This is because, wherever he has been, he has left an indelible mark of excellence, diligence, and unwavering commitment to his calling. His missionary journey to Cameroon, immediately after his ordination, was characterized by unrelenting dedication to God’s service. Upon his return to Nigeria, Fr. Chika served as a formator at the Heart of Mary Novitiate, Utonkon, Benue State, where he played a pivotal role in instilling virtues of religious life in aspiring young candidates.
In 2015, Fr. Chika was absorbed by the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha and was posted to St. Mary’s parish Alor, Anambra State, as a parish vicar. Concurrently, he served as the manager of Mater Dei Model Secondary School, a subsidiary entity of the parish. Under his leadership, the school underwent significant transformations, including the adoption of new world educational standards.
Fr. Chika’s subsequent appointment as the parish priest of St. Augustine Parish Nkpor-Agu was marked by remarkable developmental strides. He established various ventures aimed at economically empowering his parishioners and promoting self-reliance within the parish. Additionally, Fr. Chika oversaw the standardization of the parish schools, St. Augustine Group of Schools, and implemented modernized refurbishments. Through the collaborative efforts of the parishioners, Fr. Chika transformed the uninviting facade of the parish Church, which was finally dedicated to God in October 2023.
Umunya community, Fr. Chika’s hometown, has not been left out of his sphere of influence. He is a regular presence in the community, actively participating in both church and customary activities. His involvement in the community is a testament to his commitment to giving back to his roots. As a devoted son of the soil, Fr. Chika has consistently demonstrated his love and dedication to Umunya. He has been a source of inspiration and guidance to the community, offering his time, divine call and resources to support various initiatives and projects. His presence has been felt in various aspects of community life, from religious ceremonies to cultural events, to structural developments.
One of Fr. Chika’s most notable contributions to his hometown is his tenure as president of the Umunya Vocational Association. His time in this role, introduced a groundbreaking initiative to sponsor young individuals who aspire to serve God but face financial constraints. This innovative program was designed to provide opportunities for young people to pursue their vocations, despite the financial challenges that might otherwise hinder them. Fr. Chika’s vision was to empower these young minds, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen paths.
Through the Umunya Vocational Association, Fr. Chika made a tangible impact on the lives of numerous young people. His commitment to empowering the next generation is a shining example of his dedication to giving back to his community, by providing opportunities for young people to grow and develop, spiritually.
Now on a special mission at Wisconsin, USA, after a very short stint at our Lady of Fatima parish Umuoji, Fr. Chika’s ministry is a shining testament to his unwavering dedication, unrelenting work ethic, and selfless service to God and humanity. His impactful strides have left an enduring legacy, inspiring countless individuals and communities to strive for excellence.
Indeed, these forty-five years have been spent for the honour and glory of the Lord and for human flourishing. They are fabulous and impactful by any standard. This piece will not bore us with other full accomplishments of these fourty-five years, but a few are mentioned as indicators.
I join thousands of friends and flock to celebrate him. I pray that God continues to direct his steps and grant him many more fruitful years.
Happy 45th birthday, Fr. Mike Tochukwu Chika — Nwa Onye Nkụzi.
Ad Multos Annos!!
Chibunna Esedo, anipr writes from the FCT – Abuja
