Residents of Nsukka Local Government Area in Enugu State have shared mixed emotions following the passing of Bishop Francis Okobo, the Bishop Emeritus and first bishop of the Nsukka Catholic Diocese.Bishop Okobo died on Friday, August 29, at the Niger Foundation Hospital in Enugu. He was 89 years old.In separate interviews, community members reflected on his foundational role in the development of the diocese.Chief William Agbo, the Chief Executive Officer of Wilson Group of Companies, stated that he learned of the Bishop’s death with profound shock. He added, however, that his family is comforted by the fact that Bishop Okobo dedicated his entire life to serving God, the Catholic Church, and humanity.”My family and I received the news of the bishop’s passing with shock and sadness. Yet, we are consoled by his dedicated life of service,” Agbo said. “We know that Okobo rests in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. He worked tirelessly to nurture Nsukka Diocese to its present height.”Professor Rose Onah, the former Chairperson of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) in the diocese and a former Local Government Chairman, described her reaction as one of both sorrow and joy.She expressed sadness at no longer being able to see the bishop, who contributed immensely to the diocese’s growth. Her joy, she noted, stemmed from his lifelong devotion to serving God and humanity. As its first bishop, she remarked that he worked tirelessly for its spiritual and physical development.Prof. Onah also highlighted that Bishop Okobo initiated the construction of St. Therese’s Catholic Cathedral, a project later completed by the current bishop, Godfrey Onah. “I know he rests in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ, having dedicated his life wholly to God and humanity,” she concluded.Chief Alpho Nweze, a community leader from the bishop’s hometown of Lejja and also a former Local Government Chairman, echoed the sentiment of mixed feelings. He stated that the community felt sadness at the loss of an illustrious son, but joy because Bishop Okobo lived a fulfilled life of selfless service.”We pray God grants him eternal rest in paradise,” Nweze said. He further described the late bishop as a faithful ambassador of Christ who worked diligently to ensure the diocese’s rapid physical and spiritual growth.