Archbishop Alexander Ibezim — A True Shepherd Maligned by Fake News

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD

The attention of concerned faithful and well-meaning members of the public has been drawn to malicious and sponsored allegations being circulated online against His Grace, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Awka Diocese. These baseless and defamatory claims are not only unfounded but represent a cheap attempt to tarnish the image of a highly respected servant of God who has devoted his life to divine service, education, and national development.

I find it not only saddening but shameful that such fabrications are being promoted in this era of enlightenment. These falsehoods are the handiwork of those who derive pleasure from blackmail and character assassination. I therefore condemn, in strong terms, the spread of these lies and urge every right-thinking individual to ignore them. Instead, let us focus on the Archbishop’s enduring record of sacrifice, transparent leadership, and immense impact in the Church and society.

Those peddling fake news must desist from dragging the reputation of spiritual leaders into the mud for selfish or political gains.

A Tested Leader and Visionary Shepherd

Archbishop Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim is not just a cleric; he is a proven leader whose walk with God speaks louder than any malicious whisper. His election and re-election as Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), remain a testimony to the Church’s confidence in his spirituality, integrity, and visionary leadership.

In January 2025, Archbishop Ibezim was returned to office by overwhelming affirmation; a loud and divine response to detractors who seek to discredit him.

Even beyond ecclesiastical circles, the society has recognized and celebrated him. Governor Chukwuma Soludo once described him as “spiritually vibrant, well-educated, and widely travelled,” commending his impeccable service to God and humanity. Such acknowledgment from a sitting governor is evidence of the Archbishop’s visible impact and credibility.

Over the years, Archbishop Ibezim has received several distinguished recognitions, including:

The Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Fellowship (2013)

The Anambra State Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)

The Grand Commander Medal (2022) to mention but a few.

These are not honours handed to men of questionable character but to those whose consistency in service and integrity have earned public admiration.

The Archbishop’s Enduring Legacy in Education

While enemies fabricate lies, Archbishop Ibezim’s true record is written in stone especially in the field of education, where his contributions have transformed lives and institutions.

From his enthronement as Bishop of Awka and later as Archbishop, education has remained the central pillar of his ministry. At Paul University, Awka, where he serves as Proprietor and Visitor, his leadership has gone far beyond ceremonial oversight. He has strengthened governance structures, expanded infrastructure, and insisted on the highest academic and moral standards. Each matriculation ceremony, council inauguration, and funding of Paul University bears his imprint as a reform-minded leader committed to building lasting institutions.

Recognizing that not all young people will attend university, Archbishop Ibezim has also championed vocational and technical education. In April 2025, during the graduation ceremony at Mary Summer Vocational Institute, he charged graduates to become godly ambassadors of skill and character, while also laying the foundation for further expansion of the institution. His philosophy is clear: the dignity of labour and employable skills are honourable paths that restore pride and hope to the youth.

The Archbishop’s impact also extends to healthcare education. In September 2023, he spearheaded promotion and funding drive for the Midwifery and Public Health Nursing Department at Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, publicly acknowledging the contribution of Mr. Peter Obi and encouraging others to follow suit. Through such initiatives, he identifies pressing societal needs such as the shortage of health professionals and mobilizes resources to address them.

His interventions go beyond rhetoric. From scholarships for indigent students, to support for school feeding programmes, and material donations to children’s homes, Archbishop Ibezim has proven that education is not just a project but, in his own words, “a covenant with the future; we must resource it, govern it, and guard its soul.”

A Leader of Integrity and Conviction

True leadership is not the absence of opposition but the courage to stand firm despite it. Archbishop Ibezim exemplifies this principle. When administrative challenges arise, he does not cover them up; he confronts them through corrective measures, reconstituting councils, ordering audits, and ensuring transparency in diocesan administration. These are not the actions of a corrupt man but those of a true steward of God’s resources.

The Archbishop’s detractors may attempt to distract him from his divine mandate of faith, service, and nation-building — but they will fail. Truth always outlives falsehood, and light cannot be swallowed by darkness.

A Call to the Public and the Faithful

It’s painful some Anglicans are the ones championing the crusade of these rumour mills against it’s leaders, acting as if they are sponsored by agents against the Anglican Church’s foundation. I
therefore urge the public, especially members of the Anglican Communion, to disregard the baseless reports circulating online. Do not be instruments in the hands of rumor merchants. For credible and accurate information, rely only on official communications from the Diocese of Awka and the Province of the Niger.

Let us remember that attacking spiritual leaders unjustly is not only an attack on individuals but an assault on the moral and spiritual fabric of society. We must resist such acts through unity, faith, and the defense of truth for no Bishop can sell or buy without the Diocesan board.

Conclusion

Archbishop Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim remains, in every sense, a true man of God and a servant-leader of uncommon integrity. His educational vision continues to empower youths with knowledge, skills, and dignity. His pastoral leadership nurtures faith communities rooted in service and righteousness. His commitment to transparency, growth, and societal development has earned him recognition from both the Church and the State.

No amount of fake news can erase these facts. Those who seek to malign him are wasting their time. As for the Archbishop, he remains steadfast in his divine calling — shepherding the flock, raising a generation of enlightened believers, and contributing to the moral and social renewal of our nation.

As for me, I will continue to speak for the Church of Christ and for His faithful servants. I reiterate that Archbishop Alexander Ibezim is an inspiration of faith, a custodian of education, and a leader whose legacy will endure long after the dust of falsehood has settled. Shalom!

Signed:
Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD
Journalist, Editor, Author, Union Leader, Community Leader, Inspirational Teacher & Social Commentator
Awka, Anambra State.
08060750240