Venerable Dr. Richard Ngozi Okpara was born on September 4th, 1966, in Rivers State. He obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1979 and the West African School Certificate in 1985.
He completed a Diploma in Theology (DipTh) in 1997 and later a Bachelor of Theology (BTh) in 2020 from Trinity Theological College, Umuahia, laying his ministerial foundation. Concurrently, he studied social sciences at the University of Port Harcourt, earning a BSc in Public Administration (2006), a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in International Relations (2008), and an MSc in Political Science (2012).
This culminated in 2019 with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science, specializing in Development Studies, underscoring his intellectual depth and commitment to issues of governance and societal advancement.
Venerable Okpara’s ministerial career began with his ordination as a Deacon in 1997 and Priest in 1998 by The Rt. Rev. S.O. Elenwo. His rapid ascension continued with his installation as Canon and collation as Archdeacon in 2002.
Throughout his service, he has held numerous significant stations across the Dioceses of Niger Delta North, Ahoada, and Niger Delta. Notably, he was the Pioneer Curate at St Peter’s Church, Rumuepirikom (1997-1998), the Pioneer Rector of St. John’s Deanery, Rumueme (2002-2003), and the Pioneer Women Chaplain of the Diocese of Niger Delta North (1997-2004).
Within the Diocese of Ahoada, he was instrumental in the foundational years, serving as Archdeacon of the three original Archdeaconries: Upata (2003-2004), Omoku (2004-2008), and Ahoada (2008-2011), while simultaneously serving as the Pioneer Synod Secretary from 2004 to 2011.
Beyond parish life, his influence extends to academia, where he served as Chaplain at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (2017-2018).
Dr. Okpara’s dedication to church administration is evident in his long tenure in high-level provincial councils. For seventeen years, he served as Secretary of the Niger Delta Provincial Council and for seven years as Secretary of the Joint Provincial Council East of the Niger, working directly under multiple Archbishops.
Furthermore, he served a twelve-year term as a Member of the Governing Council of Trinity Theological College Umuahia. As a highly sought-after voice, he has served as a Guest Speaker and preacher at Synods, retreats, and anniversaries in numerous dioceses across Nigeria.
Venerable Okpara’s roles within the Rivers State Government include serving as Commissioner 1 in the Rivers State Civil Service Commission and as Secretary of the Rivers State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.
His expertise in law and administration has been leveraged on critical state bodies, including the Rivers State Elections Tribunal, the Rivers State Judicial Commission on Police Brutality at End Sars, and as a Member (Counselor) of the Rivers State Judiciary, Family Court Division.
His multifaceted public service was officially recognized with the honour of Justice of the Peace (JP) in 2006, and in 2022, he received the second-highest state honour, The Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS), cementing his status as a key figure in the region’s development.
The Venerable Dr. Richard Ngozi Okpara is a highly traveled cleric, having attended trainings and missions in over a dozen countries across four continents.
He is married to Mrs. Maureen Ogochukwu Okpara, with whom he has four children.
