Catholic Bishops and Priests from various Dioceses and parishes were also in attendance to honour Most Reverend Ukpong.

The installation followed the elevation of the former, His Lordship, Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri, Imo State, to also replace Archbishop Anthony Obinna, who retired at 75 years.

His Lordship Bishop Ukpong was consecrated and installed by Pope Francis’ representative, His Grace Anthonio Guido Filipazzi, Papal Nuncio to Nigeria.

Bishop Kalu Ukpong hails from the Amaekpu community in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State and had his episcopal ordination as Auxillary Bishop on 30th July 2020.

On 24th June 2022, he was appointed as the Diocesan administrator, and later, on November 1st, 2022, he was appointed as the Diocesan Bishop by Pope Francis to replace His Grace Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, who is currently on transfer to Owerri Catholic Diocese.

On the expectations of the Catholic faithful from him as the new Bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, Bishop Ukpong stated that he has come as a servant of the gospel together with the Catholic faithful in Umuahia and wider diocese in different capacities to work together on what is needed for the development in the diocese.

He assured the Abia Catholic community that he would be guided by the spirit of God even as he was aware of the many contributions and strides of his predecessors.