Few men in the history of the Church in Benue State left a mark as deep as Most Rev. Athanasius Atule Usuh. He was a devoted shepherd, a gifted musician, a passionate sportsman, and the first indigenous Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi.

Early Life and Education

Athanasius Atule Usuh was born on Saturday, May 2, 1942, to Joseph and Edna Usuh. He was the second of eleven children.

His education took him through several institutions:

• St. Theresa’s Primary School, Abwa (1951-1958)
• RCM School Abayol, Ushongo (1959-1960)
• St. James Junior Seminary, Keffi (1961-1965)
• Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu (from 1966)

His studies at Bigard were cut short by the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War. The disruption led to the founding of St. Augustine Major Seminary, Keffi, in 1967, which later relocated to Jos.

A Priest of Many Gifts

He was ordained a priest on Sunday, December 19, 1971, at St. John the Baptist Parish, Gboko, which later became the Cathedral of the Gboko Diocese.

Over the years he served in several parishes and institutions:

• St. Patrick’s Parish, Taraku, where he famously formed a football team called The Mosquitoes
• Sacred Heart Parish, Udei
• St. Augustine Major Seminary, Jos
• St. James Junior Seminary, Makurdi
• Holy Ghost Parish, Makurdi

Father Usuh was a man of many talents. He was a choir master, a football captain, an active community leader, and the first editor of Awakening Light Magazine in Jos, Plateau State. His public service included:

• Chairman, Benue State Football Association (1984-1985)
• Chairman, Benue State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board (1985-1986)
• Vicar General of the Diocese of Makurdi (1986)

Called to the Episcopacy

On November 18, 1987, he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Makurdi. He was consecrated Bishop on January 6, 1988, in Rome by Pope John Paul II.

He succeeded Bishop Donald Murray, CSSp, and on June 2, 1989, became the first indigenous Bishop of the Diocese of Makurdi. He was officially installed on October 21, 1989. His episcopal motto was “Ter, M kuma ga”, meaning “Lord, I am not worthy.”

A Legacy of Growth

Under Bishop Usuh’s leadership, the Diocese of Makurdi grew tremendously. Four new dioceses were created during his time:

1. Otukpo Diocese, under the late Bishop Fidelis Ogah
2. Lafia Diocese, under Bishop Matthew Ishaya Audu
3. Gboko Diocese, under Bishop William Amove Avenya
4. Katsina-Ala Diocese, under the late Bishop Peter Iordzughul Adoboh and, later, Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF

Final Years and Passing

Bishop Usuh retired from active episcopal service on March 28, 2015. He was called home to the Lord on Thursday, July 14, 2016, and was laid to rest on Friday, July 29, 2016, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral, Makurdi.

A Life That Lived Its Motto

People remember Bishop Usuh for his simplicity, his pastoral zeal, his love of music, and his youthful energy, especially on the football field. He lived out his motto faithfully. He never claimed to be worthy, yet he gave everything in service to God and His people.