The Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo was born on 19th June 1967 at Oka Uguri in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, to Rev. Canon Felix and Mrs. Adeline Nwokolo of Ebenesi Nnobi. He grew up as a parsonage youngster who loved and cherished the things of the Lord.

He began his primary education at All Saints’ Primary School, Amaifeke, Orlu in 1973 and completed his elementary six, obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate in 1979 at Central School No. 1, Akokwa, Imo State. He had his secondary school education at Uga Boys’ Secondary School in Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, and obtained his West African School Certificate in 1984.

In 1985, he pursued Higher School Training at the Federal School of Arts and Science, Aba. From there, he gained admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to study Religion. He graduated in 1990 with Second Class Honours Upper Division. He completed his National Youth Service at the Food for the Total Man’s Ministry, Kaduna in 1991. After his NYSC, he returned to UNN and obtained both his Master of Arts (M.A.) and Ph.D. Degrees in Old Testament Studies.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen had a clear indication of his call to the ministry. He offered himself for the ministry and was posted to St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Uruagu, Nnewi, as Church Teacher. He was later sent to Trinity Theological College, Umuahia, for the ordination course. He graduated with distinction, obtained his Diploma in Theology, and received an award as the best graduating student at Umuahia in 1994. He was made a Deacon the same year and was ordained a Priest in 1995. He was appointed Chairman of the Parish Church Council in 1998, preferred Canon, and later Archdeacon in 1999 and 2000 respectively.

Bishop Owen Nwokolo has served in the following churches since his call to the ministry: Church Teacher at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Uruagu, Nnewi (1993); Curate at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Odoakpu, Onitsha (1994–1996); Vicar at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Omagba, Onitsha (1996–2001); Vicar at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Ogbunike (2001–2005); Archdeacon of Oyi Archdeaconry (2001–2005); and Sub-Dean of All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha (2005–2011).

He has served as a member of various boards and committees in the Diocese and Church of Nigeria. He has attended leadership courses and conferences both in Nigeria and abroad to enhance his work and ministry. He is a member of the Association of Professional Negotiators and Mediators, which promotes best practices in negotiation and mediation in Nigeria. He is also a Justice of the Peace (JP) in Anambra State, Nigeria.

To the glory of God, on the 26th of November 2010, Owen was elected the Bishop on the Niger by the Episcopal Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). He was consecrated on the 9th of January 2011 and enthroned on the 1st of March 2011 at All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo has achieved great things for the Lord since his call to the ministry as the Bishop on the Niger. He established and is sustaining a mission outpost in Togo. He also established a Microfinance Bank, Radio, and Television Station for the Diocese on the Niger. Additionally, Iyi Enu Mission Hospital has been transformed into a state-of-the-art medical outfit. More than 100 students are enjoying scholarships in various fields of learning in tertiary institutions in Nigeria and abroad.

He has received various awards from organizations and institutions for his outstanding accomplishments and untiring quest for excellence in his chosen profession. Among the awards he received was the Special Honour Award by the Anambra State Government in August 2011 for being a shining light of the State and a model for the youths and people.

Presently, he is the Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter.

Bishop Owen is married to Dr. Elsie Nonyelum Nwokolo, an Assistant Director of Pharmacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi. Their marriage is blessed with children.