. Bid farewell to ex-Aso Villa Chaplain, Rev. Okoye
Cosmas Chukwu, Enugu
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has issued new guidelines aimed at curbing the commercialisation of fundraising during Catholic worship, insisting that the Eucharistic celebration must remain central and that giving to the Church should be free, dignified and transparent.
The Guidelines on Fundraising in Liturgical Worship in Nigeria, published by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria on September 23, address a range of fundraising practices that, according to the document, risk distracting from the sacred character of the liturgy.
The guidelines caution against practices including comedians appearing at liturgical celebrations, paid ceremonial unveilings, charging for blessings and excessive frequent second collections.
“The Eucharist itself risks becoming an interruption to the harvest rather than its reason,” wrote Rev. Fr. Augustine Okochi, Deputy Secretary-General and Director of the Pastoral Agents Department of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, in an article accompanying the publication.
The guidelines do not seek to discourage financial support for the Church. Rather, they call for fundraising to be conducted in a manner consistent with the dignity of Catholic worship and the freedom of the faithful.
The CBCN calls for adequate communication before fundraising appeals and insists that donors, regardless of their financial circumstances, should be treated with dignity. It also rejects humiliation, coercion and the use of guilt to secure contributions.
The document further addresses unauthorised levies, elaborate anniversary celebrations, oversized building projects and what it describes as the commercialisation of sacramentals.
To strengthen financial accountability, the guidelines propose structures including diocesan budgets, project-screening committees and greater centralisation of resources.
Fr Okochi said the guidelines were intended to help priests, religious and lay faithful develop fundraising practices that support the Church’s mission without allowing financial appeals to overshadow worship.
“The book does not discourage generosity but rather purifies it,” he wrote.
The guidelines also affirm the right of the faithful to give freely and cheerfully, while encouraging greater cooperation between clergy and laity in the management and financing of Church projects.
Grounded in Scripture, the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the teaching of recent Popes, the guidelines place the Eucharist at the centre of the Church’s liturgical life.
They call on pastoral agents to guard the Eucharistic celebration against practices that could compromise its sanctity and to promote a culture of responsible stewardship, transparency and voluntary giving.
Fr Okochi described the publication as a resource for parishes, chaplaincies, dioceses, seminaries, religious communities and families seeking to develop healthier approaches to Church fundraising.
Meanwhile, National figures, religious leaders, and grieving family members gathered in Abuja on Wednesday to begin funeral rites for Rev. Dr. William Okoye, who passed away aged 74.
The founding General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission (ACFM) Worldwide was honoured during a solemn Lying in State and Service of Songs at the Church’s Maitama headquarters.
Former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana paid emotional tribute to the late Cleric, highlighting his unwavering devotion to the Christian gospel and his profound influence on national governance.
”He was never ashamed of the Gospel because for him it is the power of God for salvation.
“He proclaimed it very clearly, firmly, and convincingly,” Gana said.
Gana recalled working alongside Okoye as a spiritual advisor under the presidential administrations of Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, emphasising his absolute fearlessness before leaders.
”Every morning at 6 a.m., he would pick me for prayer with the president. He was ready to speak truth to power. Nigeria has lost a giant,” Gana added.
Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, reflected fondly on Okoye’s pioneering role during the early days of the Federal Capital Territory’s development.
”When he started here to gather people in Abuja to pray on Sundays, there were no churches here. People in Lagos thought the new capital was not serious,” Onaiyekan recalled.
The Cardinal noted that what began as a humble fellowship grew into a massive global movement through Okoye’s vision and commitment to community building.
”What I remember him for is somebody who sees a need and does something to fill it.
“That little seed planted has now grown into a big tree,” Onaiyekan stated.
Rev. Moses Aransiola, National Director of Nigeria Prays, praised the late clergyman for prioritising moral integrity over personal gain throughout his 52-year ministry.
”He did not value material things above integrity, commitment, loyalty, and faithfulness.
“To be a pastor to two sitting presidents is a real opportunity God gave him,” he said
Aransiola urged Nigerians to emulate Okoye’s steadfast character, noting that he lived an uncompromised life that earned him national respect.
”When everybody is chasing after compromising their lives and integrity, God brought honour to Reverend Okoye easily. It pays to live a life of legacy,” he added.
In a joint tribute, the children of Okoye remembered him not only as a renowned public minister, but as a devoted, loving, and humorous father.
”Daddy lived his faith daily. We remember a busy man who still made time for his family, took us on vacations, and filled our home with laughter,” his children shared.
They reaffirmed their commitment to upholding their father’s principle: “Labour hard, consume little, give much, and all to Christ,” while guarding the family name.
”He may not have left us great material wealth, but he left us something far more enduring: his name, his faith, his values, and his example,” they added.
The family announced that Rev. Okoye’s vision would be preserved through the William and Helen Heritage Foundation, honouring both him and his late wife, Evangelist Helen Okoye.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the events continue in Abuja with a Night of Tributes on Oct. 2 at the National Christian Centre, before moving to Agulu, Anambra State, for interment on Oct. 9.
The deceased is survived by six children, nine grandchildren, including Mr Victor Okoye, a journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and the entire ACFM family.
Born in September 1951, the former Aso Villa Chapel Chaplain died on July 15, at the National Hospital in Abuja.
The Cleric will be buried on Oct. 9 in his country home, Amatutu Village, Agulu, Anaocha LGA, Anambra State, after a week-long funeral programme.
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