On Monday, July 29, 2024, the personnel of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) and agencies of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) gathered at St. Gabriel Chaplaincy, CSN, for a requiem Mass in honour of the late Rev. Fr. Iheanyi Enwerem, OP.

Fr. Enwerem, who passed away on July 24, 2024, at 74, after undergoing brain surgery, was a renowned scholar, preacher, advocate, and a former Director of the Church and Society Department at CSN.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, Deputy Secretary General of CSN, celebrated Fr. Enwerem’s remarkable contributions to the Church and Nigerian society. Drawing from John 11:19-27, he stated that like Lazarus, Fr. Enwerem believed in Jesus Christ and lived his life in service to God and the Church. He assured all that his death is not the end of his story, but an elevation to the fullness of life promised by Christ.

Fr. Banjo also addressed Nigeria’s current socio-economic challenges, urging Christians to practice mercy and utilize their resources to aid those in need. He emphasized personal responsibility in alleviating suffering, given the limitations of government efforts.

As a member of the Dominican Order, Fr. Enwerem played a pivotal role in establishing the Dominican Institute in Ibadan, serving as its first President. His tenure at CSN as Director of the Church and Society Department exemplified his commitment to social justice and the Church’s social teachings.

As the community reflects on Fr. Enwerem’s legacy, his life remains an inspiration for living righteously and contributing to a just and compassionate world.