It was a moment of thanksgiving and celebration on Easter Sunday as philanthropist, Chief Dr. Kitefre Oboho, alongside his wife, Mrs. Atim Oboho, formally handed over a newly completed Methodist manse valued at about N32 million to the Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), Oyoku Ibighi, in Ukuko Circuit of Oyubia Diocese.
The building, named in honour of the late Rev. Edet Okon Oboho, the first Methodist minister from the community, was officially dedicated during a well-attended ceremony on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Presenting the facility, the US-based medical doctor said the project was inspired by a deep sense of gratitude to God and a commitment to advancing His work, noting that the completion of the manse was a divine assignment embraced by his family.
He recounted that the project, which began in 2015, had stalled for years before renewed efforts were made through the initiative of the resident minister, Rev. Oyokunyi Isong, during the church’s centenary celebration in March 2025.
According to him, what started as a modest fundraising effort gradually transformed into a full-scale intervention after he and his wife visited the site and were moved to take over the completion of the entire structure.
“We initially intended to support aspects like plumbing, electricals or tiling, but after prayers and reflection, God convicted us to complete the entire project,” he said.
Dr. Oboho disclosed that beyond completing the building, his family also added a borehole and perimeter fencing to enhance the facility, attributing the success of the project to God’s provision and the support of friends and associates.
He appreciated contributors including Mr./Mrs. Moses Unanaowo, Mr./Mrs. Eteyen Oboho, Dr. Callistus/Mrs. Beverley Nwosu, Chief/Mrs. Effiong Akwa, Evangelist Etinwa/Dr. Nkoyo Edem, Mr./Mrs. Asukwo Eyo, Mr.Dr. Nosakare Akhimiona, Sir/Lady Asuquo Inuikim, Sir/Lady Ita Ntekim, and Sir/Mrs. Utin Ntofon, among others, for their roles in bringing the project to completion.
He also specially acknowledged Mr. Victor Asukwo and Mr. Ini David for their dedication and insistence on quality workmanship throughout the construction process.
In an emotional moment, Dr. Oboho commended his wife for her faith and encouragement, particularly her insistence on adding a fence to the building, despite financial constraints, noting that her confidence in God’s provision proved instrumental.
“As God has blessed us beyond our needs, it is our duty to extend those blessings to others. Completing this house of God remains one of the most fulfilling works we have done,” he added.
The philanthropist further appealed to the Bishop of Oyubia Diocese to allow Rev. Oyokunyi Isong to remain in the community for some more years to continue nurturing the church and meeting the spiritual needs of the people.
At the peak of the ceremony, Dr. and Mrs. Oboho formally presented the building documents, permits, and keys of the edifice to the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Markus N. Enene, and the resident minister.
While delivering his sermon, the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Markus Enene, who drew his texts from Jeremiah 31:1–12, Colossians 3:1–4, and John 20:1–18, spoke on the significance of Christ’s resurrection and its transformative impact on mankind, urging Christians to live renewed lives anchored in faith and service.
Goodwill messages were delivered by several dignitaries, including Sir Chief Effiong Afiakurue, Prof. Esio Oboho, Sir Asuquo Inuikim, Sir Ita Ntekim, Engr. Asukwo Ekpo Antai, and the Bishop of Evangelism, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev’d Dr. Inyang Effiong, JP.
While also making donations to assist in furnishing of the Manse, all speakers commended Dr. Oboho for his generosity, dedication, and commitment to the growth of the church, describing the project as a landmark contribution to the Methodist community in Oyoku Ibighi.
The event drew a large gathering of clergy, community leaders, and faithful, marking a memorable Easter celebration and a significant milestone in the development of the church. 
