Rev Ngozi Njoku
A NEW chapter in the history of the parishes of Garrison, Slavin, Belleek and Kiltyclogher will be written this evening when Nigerian Reverend Ngozi Njoku is instituted as the new rector.
The Church of Ireland parishes welcome Ngozi, who comes to Fermanagh via Africa, Belgium, Holland and England as she explained.
“I was originally born in Eastern Nigeria and was a teacher there. I then went to Belgium as a student to study Theology and from Belgium I was in Holland to study in a Bible college and then I came back to Belgium and it was there the Lord called me to Ministry.”
Growing up in a Christian home Reverend Njoku said she felt there was a ‘sense of direction’ of what she wanted to do.
After completing her four year curacy at St Mary the Virgin, Goldington in Bedford, England she began searching for another position and through a colleague was led to Fermanagh.
“Well I have a friend here called Sampson Ajuka (Reverend of the Devenish and Boho Parishes in the Diocese of Clogher), I’m the Godmother to their first son and we were from the same diocese in Europe before I left for England.
“He told me about Northern Ireland, but my first impression was no, no, no, because it’s far, but then I thought about it, far from where? I visited him back in March and I liked the people, I liked what I saw, I really liked it genuinely. So I went back home, back to England to look at the website and I read a little bit and then more and more so thought I would try it.”
Reverend Njoku will become the second African clergy member to take charge of a parish in the Diocese of Clogher after Reverend Ajuka and takes comfort in the fact that he will be available to offer advice.
When asked about her impressions of Fermanagh Reverend Njoku was quick to praise the local people.
“Whatever I say about here will always be in comparison because I have been to so many countries, but I will say that the people here are genuinely nice, very genuine and very friendly.”
Reverend Njoku’s Institution will take place on Friday, August 9 in Belleek Parish Church. On this occasion the Bishop of Clogher, the Right Reverend John McDowell will institute Ngozi as rector of the grouped parishes of Garrison, Slavin, Belleek and Kiltyclogher and hand over responsibilities to her.
Ngozi is excited to begin her duties in Fermanagh and hopes to bring her passion to the position.
“I’m very passionate about Christianity and my beliefs, I’m not saying that people are not passionate about it, but I’m very passionate and that’s what I want to bring.
“That and care for younger people, a sense of the relevance of Christianity in the world of today.
“I want to bring a bit of enthusiasm into the young people’s practice of Christianity.”
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