Reverend Father John Emeka Stephen Odika

JOHN EMEKA ODIKA

Born on the 13th of January, 1997, I, John Emeka Odika, entered this world as the third of five children, a cherished gift to the loving embrace of Mr. Norbert and Mrs. Rita Odika. My earthly roots trace back to Umudiji, Umuohama, Ukpor, nestled within the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

My foundational years of learning commenced at Jehovah’s Will Nursery and Primary School in Itire, Lagos, a journey beautifully completed within the hallowed grounds of Assumption Nursery and Primary School, Ukpor, where the seeds of knowledge were further nurtured. Following this, I pursued my secondary education at Assumption Comprehensive Secondary School, Ukpor.

In the year 2016, a profound stirring within my heart led me to discern and respond to the persistent whisper of God’s call. With fervent prayer and hope, I applied and was blessed with admission as a seminarian for the esteemed Archdiocese of Lagos.

This sacred journey began in earnest with a year of intense spiritual formation at St. Peter the
Apostle Spiritual Year Seminary, Eruku, Kwara State, from 2016 to 2017. Following this
foundation, Divine Providence led me in 2017 to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Major Seminary,
Bodija, Ibadan. There, I threw myself into my philosophical studies, eventually graduating with a
Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ibadan in 2021.

I count myself among the fortunate
few to have experienced formation in both the historic halls of “Great Bodija” and the serene “Land
of Saints” in Uhiele-Ekpoma, Edo State, where I was sent in 2022 to study Sacred Theology.
Through this institution, which is affiliated with the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, I
obtained my Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology in 2025, before returning to complete a Diploma
in Pastoral Studies from 2025 to 2026.

Beyond the classroom, these years of formation were deeply enriched by hands-on pastoral work,
which allowed me to look closely into the daily lives, joys, and struggles of God’s people. I was
blessed to learn and serve within several vibrant parish communities and under great Priests who
have guided my journey: St. Anne, Itire with Rev. Fr. Sebastine Ukwandu; Our Lady Queen of
Apostles, Lakowe with Rev. Fr. Peter Osuntope; the historic St. Gregory’s College, South-West
Ikoyi with Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ayeni; Sacred Heart, Ojota with Very Rev. Fr. John Okoro; Our
Lady Queen of Apostles, Ilupeju with Rev. Fr. Hyginus Nwanze; Our Lady Queen of the Most
Holy Rosary, Sanya with Rev. Fr. Raymond Anoliefo; St. Denis, Bariga with Rev. Fr. Theodore
Martinos; and St. Patrick, Alaba with Very Rev. Fr. Francis Anyanwu. Each of these places was a
school of grace, teaching me what it truly means to serve in the image of Christ.

Looking back
from this sacred threshold, I can see clearly that my journey is nothing short of a living testament
to God’ s quiet faithfulness and patient love.

My pilgrimage to this sacred threshold is, unequivocally, a living testament to God’s unfailing faithfulness and boundless love.

I extend my deepest appreciation to His Grace, the Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos, whose fatherly guidance and unwavering support have been a constant source of inspiration for Ordaining me first a Deacon and then a Catholic Priest.

My sincere thanks also go to all priests, formators, vocation directors, parish priests, men and women of goodwill, who have guided me, corrected me, inspired me, supported with prayers, good wishes and finance to be able to get to the point I am currently.

I am grateful also to my cherished family, beloved friends, and all who have generously offered their love, care, and assistance, sustaining me throughout this journey. May God’s abundant blessings and divine favour be poured out upon them, now and forever.