The Rt. Rev. Manasses Chijiokem Iheanyichukwu Okere was born on July 4, 1974, in Ukebe, Ohuru-Ndoki, within Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. He was born into a deeply Christian family, the son of Catechist Titus Nna Okere and Mrs. Cecilia N. Okere, both of blessed memory.

Raised in the fear and nurture of the Lord, Bishop Okere gave his life to Christ in 1987 and became actively involved in various church ministries from an early age. Despite growing up in severe poverty, which almost halted his educational journey, his resilience was rewarded when he received a scholarship from the Arthur Nzeribe Education Foundation, enabling him to complete his secondary education.

Initially aspiring to become a Petrochemical Engineer, he responded to a higher calling and fully embraced the ministry in 1993. He pursued his theological training at Trinity Theological College, Umuahia, where he graduated with distinction.

Ordained a Deacon in 1997 and a Priest in 1998 by the Rt. Rev. Prof. Augustine Iwuagwu, his ecclesiastical rise continued with his installation as a Canon in 2002, and later collation as an Archdeacon in 2010. He served diligently as the Archdeacon on Special Duties, appointed by the Most Rev. Ugochukwu Ezuoke.

A versatile minister and theologian, Bishop Okere has held significant roles within and beyond the Church. He has served as a lecturer at Trinity Theological College, Umuahia, and contributed to the work of the Abia State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board. He holds multiple academic qualifications, including:

• B.A. in Religion from the University of Uyo

• M.A. in Biblical Studies from Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo

• Master of Theology from Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta

• Ph.D. in Biblical Studies (New Testament) from the University of Uyo

His ministry is marked by deep theological insight, a passion for biblical truth, evangelism, church growth, and a reputation for ministerial discipline and integrity.

Bishop Okere is joyfully married to Mrs. Abigail Oluebubechukwu Manas-Okere (fondly known as Abymanas), a native of Akpulu in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State. Their union is blessed with five sons, including a set of twins, affectionately referred to as The Manassites.

He was elected Bishop on September 12, 2012, consecrated on November 18, 2012, and enthroned as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Isuikwuato-Umunneochi on December 16, 2012. On September 7, 2021, he was appointed as the Supervisory Bishop of the Diocese of Ukwa, and was later elected on translation as the third Bishop of Ukwa on February 24, 2022. He was enthroned on May 8, 2022.

Bishop Okere continues to serve the Church with unwavering dedication—teaching, preaching, and shepherding God’s people with grace, insight, and apostolic fervor.