The Rt. Revd. Dr. Christian Onyeka Onyia was born into the devout Christian family of Mr. Samuel O. Onyia and Mrs. Keziah Ada Onyia (née Orji) of Enugwu Ngwo in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State. From an early age, his life was marked by discipline, a hunger for knowledge, and a strong desire to serve God.

His educational journey began at Community Primary School, Ngwo, and later continued at Ugwuaku Primary School in the same locality. For his secondary education, he attended Colliary Comprehensive Secondary School, Ngwo, from 1988 to 1990 for his junior secondary school, and then proceeded to the prestigious Nigerian Military School, Zaria, where he completed his senior secondary education between 1990 and 1993.

With a deepening spiritual calling, he joined the ministry as a church teacher at St. Mark’s Church, Oghe in Ezeagu. From there, he was transferred to St. Peter’s Church, Ezema Olo. His zeal and devotion did not go unnoticed by his superiors, and in recognition of his spiritual discipline and ministerial potential, he was recommended for theological training.

He pursued his theological formation at Paul University College, Awka, where he obtained a Diploma in Theology and a Diploma in Religious Studies affiliated with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Driven by a thirst for academic excellence, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Management from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.

Under the episcopal leadership of the Rt. Revd. Professor Evans Jonathan Ibeagha, then Bishop of Nike Diocese, Christian Onyeka Onyia was preferred a Canon of the Church of Nigeria in 2007 and was elevated to the rank of Archdeacon in 2009. He served with distinction as the Canon Residentiary and later as Archdeacon of the Cathedral Church of St. Cyprian, where his pastoral and administrative gifts were greatly appreciated.

Between 2011 and 2015, he was the Vicar of St. Mark’s Church, Emene, and concurrently the Archdeacon of Emene South Archdeaconry. In 2015, he was transferred to Christ Church, Ugbene, where he served as both Vicar and Archdeacon of the Nike East Archdeaconry until 2019. On the 8th of February, 2019, he was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Nike. His consecration took place on the 29th of March, 2019, at the Cathedral Church of St. David, Akure, and he was enthroned as the Bishop of Nike Diocese on the 5th of May, 2019, at the Cathedral Church of St. Cyprian, Abakpa-Nike, Enugu.

Since his enthronement, Bishop Onyia has worked diligently to uphold the Great Commission of Christ, leading the churches under his jurisdiction to engage in discipleship, evangelism, and community impact actively. His episcopacy has brought renewed spiritual fervour, administrative discipline, and mission-minded vision to the Diocese of Nike.

On the 29th of April, 2006, Bishop Christian Onyeka Onyia was united in holy matrimony to Barrister Mrs. Nneka Onyia (née Onoh), a committed Christian, accomplished litigation lawyer, and passionate advocate for the rights of vulnerable groups, especially women and children. A gifted public speaker and researcher, Barrister Onyia has contributed scholarly works, including co-authoring a book on integrating community needs into budgetary processes in Enugu State, and has published with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).

Their marriage is blessed with four wonderful children: Chisom Chukwuebuka, Iruoma Ebubechukwu, Kamsiyochukwu Ozioma, and Kosisochukwu Tobechukwu. The Bishop and his wife continue to serve God, the Church, and the wider society, upholding the banner of Christ with excellence, humility, and grace. To God be all the glory.