Rev. Father Steve Chukwuma, Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Agbor, has died after collapsing at the pulpit during the New Year’s Day homily.
He was 63.
The incident occurred during Wednesday Mass, leaving congregants shocked and sending ripples through Delta State’s Catholic community.
Rev. Father Chukwuma had served in the priesthood for 35 years and was known for his pastoral care, commitment to human dignity, and involvement as a lawyer and writer.
Parishioners and former altar servers have paid tribute to his dedication and gentle demeanor.In a Facebook post, Oseghale Omo Akioya described him as “a beacon of hope and inspiration,” highlighting his humility and the impact he had on those who worked with him from the late 1980s.
Born on June 5, 1962, in Agbor, Rev. Chukwuma began his religious journey as an altar server at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
He attended Ngala Primary School and Ika Grammar School, Agbor, before entering the seminary in 1982.
His formation included the Spiritual Year at St. Paul’s Missionary Seminary, Iperu-Remo, and priestly studies at SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, completing his training in 1990.
Ordained on August 18, 1990, by Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Gbuji, he served in several Delta parishes, including St. Brigid’s, Asaba; All Saints, Onicha-Ugbo; and St. Michael’s, Ubulu-Uku.
He also held leadership roles as Rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme-Aniogor, and Dean of the St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year campus, Ekpoma.
Active on social media, Rev. Chukwuma frequently marked his Priestly Anniversary with messages of gratitude, reflecting his lifelong dedication to faith and service. He left behind a grieving community that will remember him for his calm strength, compassion, and enduring pastoral legacy.
