Growing Up with Our Founder, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka: An Exclusive Interview with Chief Cyril Okafor

Meeting a Young Ejike Mbaka

Interviewer: Today, we’ll be speaking with someone who grew up with Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka. Sir, can you please introduce yourself?

Chief Cyril Okafor: My name is Chief Cyril Okafor. I knew Fr. Mbaka when I was very young. One of my sisters was married near his family, so I used to visit often. That’s how I got to know him—especially because of his deep involvement in religious and charismatic activities.

That was about 30 to 40 years ago. I was around 15 or 16 years old, and he was just a little older.

A Man of Faith from the Beginning

Interviewer: So you met him when he was still growing up?

Chief Cyril Okafor: Yes, he was maybe in secondary school—SS2 or SS3. Even at that time, he was already a man of deep faith.

Every morning after Mass, we would gather again for charismatic prayers that often lasted till 4 p.m. Sometimes we continued into the night, even until 1 a.m., holding deliverance sessions and prayer fellowships.

Fearless and Spirit-Led

Chief Cyril Okafor: Even as a teenager—he wasn’t yet 18—Fr. Mbaka was already leading deliverances inside the Catholic Church.

Sometimes, catechists would come and chase us away, but he would boldly tell them, “This is my Father’s house. You cannot chase me out.”

He was courageous, fearless, and full of conviction even at that young age.

The Spirit of Prayer and Sacrifice

Chief Cyril Okafor: He was so dedicated that he could be found walking around at 2 a.m., either going for deliverance or counseling someone.

He often told us, “By the grace of God, one day I will be known.” We didn’t take him seriously then, but when his ministry grew, we remembered those words.

He would give away his food to others and remain hungry. Once, during a retreat at Sacred Heart, he gave away all the money he received as an offering to my family. When I asked why, he said, “There’s no problem—God will provide.”

Miraculous Experiences

Chief Cyril Okafor: I witnessed things that were beyond explanation.

Once, during a sermon, he said, “The moon will come and greet us now,” and suddenly the moon appeared from behind the clouds. He also warned the women to tie their wrappers well because “a breeze will come to welcome God.” And truly, a strong breeze blew through the church, scattering wrappers everywhere.

It was both amazing and humbling to see such things from a young man.

Faith and Fearlessness in Leadership

Chief Cyril Okafor: From the beginning, Fr. Mbaka made it clear that he would never beg for money, even during seminary. He said he wanted to speak with boldness, without being influenced by anyone’s gift or favor.

Later, when he began to speak boldly to national leaders—like during the times of Governor Chimaroke Nnamani and General Sani Abacha—I became afraid for him. I begged him to stop, but he told me, “The Spirit of God is pushing me. If I don’t speak, I will be disturbed.”

And indeed, he spoke the truth boldly—even predicting events that later came to pass.

Lessons from a Life of Service

Interviewer: What do you think people today can learn from your long relationship with Fr. Mbaka?

Chief Cyril Okafor: There are many lessons:

1. He doesn’t discriminate. He treats everyone the same—whether Catholic, Anglican, or Deeper Life.
2. He is generous. No one tells him whom to give to; he helps everyone from the heart.
3. He is unpredictable. You can’t dictate or predict him. He moves as the Spirit leads.
4. He is selfless and sacrificial. He’s willing to give everything, even his comfort, for peace.
5. He never compromises the truth. No matter who you are, he will tell you what God says.

Final Words

Chief Cyril Okafor: Fr. Mbaka loves people more than himself. He believes in sacrifice and peace, but he will never compromise his calling.

Interviewer: Thank you very much, Chief Cyril Okafor, for sharing these memories. We’re honored to hear firsthand stories about Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka’s early life and ministry.

Chief Cyril Okafor: Thank you. It was my pleasure.