Presiding Bishop • Author • Missionary • Church Matriarch • First Female Bishop of Nembe Kingdom
In the spiritual history of the Niger Delta and the ancient Nembe Kingdom, the name Rev. Dr. Claribel Diepreye Izulu stands as a symbol of endurance, holiness, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to the work of God.
A woman of deep faith, uncommon resilience, and apostolic grace, Rev. Dr. Claribel Izulu has spent decades building lives, nurturing families, mentoring believers, and preserving the foundations of righteousness within the Church. Through war, displacement, ministry, widowhood, and leadership, she has remained steadfast in her calling — a spiritual mother whose influence stretches across generations.
Today, she is revered not only as the Presiding Bishop of All Saints Christ Church International, but also as the first female bishop from the entire Nembe Kingdom — a historic milestone that cemented her place in ecclesiastical history.
Birth and Early Life
Rev. Dr. Claribel Diepreye Izulu was born on 30th August 1942 in Okpoma in present-day Bayelsa State.
She was born into a generation that witnessed colonial Nigeria, the struggle toward independence, and the emergence of modern nationhood. From childhood, she displayed discipline, humility, and a quiet strength that would later define her spiritual journey.
Education and Academic Formation
Rev. Dr. Claribel Izulu began her primary education at the prestigious:
- St. Barnabas School, Twon Brass (1951–1956)
She later proceeded to:
- St. Paul’s Commercial School, Ogbohill Aba (1957–1960)
Her educational background gave her strong administrative and clerical skills that prepared her for professional service at a very young age.
Despite the challenges faced by women of her generation, she continued to pursue spiritual and intellectual growth throughout her life, attending several Christian academies and leadership trainings to deepen her understanding of ministry and Christian leadership.
Early Career and Service at the Central Bank of Nigeria
In 1961, shortly after Nigeria gained independence, Rev. Dr. Claribel Izulu secured employment with the Central Bank of Nigeria in Eastern Nigeria as a Note Counter.
For a young woman at that time, employment at the nation’s apex bank represented remarkable achievement, discipline, and trustworthiness. She served diligently until the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967.
Marriage to Bishop Cornelius T. Izulu
In the same historic year of 1967, she married:
Cornelius Torudigigha Izulu in Enugu, where he served as a senior civil servant under the Eastern Nigeria Government.
Their union became one of ministry partnership, endurance, sacrifice, and spiritual labor. Together, they would later become foundational pillars in church leadership and evangelism across Rivers and Bayelsa States.
Civil War Experience and Relocation
The brutal Nigerian Civil War forced the young family to flee Enugu in 1968, relocating to Rivers State for safety and survival.
Following the relocation, Rev. Dr. Claribel Izulu resigned from the Central Bank of Nigeria and later secured employment with the Nigerian Ports Authority as a Checkout Operator at the canteen division.
She remained with the Nigerian Ports Authority until 1972, when she voluntarily resigned in order to fully support her husband, stabilize the home front, and care for the children during a demanding season of family and ministry life.
Her sacrifice during those years became one of the silent foundations upon which a future ministry empire would stand.
Spiritual Calling and Ministry Journey
Though committed to family life, Rev. Dr. Claribel Izulu believed deeply that she had a divine calling beyond the domestic sphere.
Yielding herself completely to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, she joined her husband in active ministry work at:
- St. Jude’s Christ Army Church, Creek Road, Port Harcourt in 1972
From that point onward, her life became inseparable from evangelism, discipleship, prayer ministry, church administration, and soul-winning.
She became widely respected for her quiet spirituality, holiness, motherly counsel, and unwavering commitment to righteous living.
Rise of All Saints Christ Church International
Around 1991, All Saints Christ Church International was established by her late husband, Bishop Cornelius T. Izulu, who served as the Presiding Bishop until his passing in 2008.
Following his death, Rev. Dr. Claribel Izulu carried the mantle of leadership and continued the spiritual vision of the ministry.
On 24th September 2011, she was formally enthroned as the Presiding Bishop of All Saints Christ Church International.
That enthronement made her:
The First Female Bishop in the Entire Nembe Kingdom
This historic achievement represented not only personal distinction but also a breakthrough moment for women in ministry throughout the Niger Delta region.
Academic and Ministerial Qualifications
Rev. Dr. Claribel Izulu continued to pursue theological and leadership development throughout her ministry.
Among her certifications and recognitions are:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Christian Missions
Rohi Theological Seminary — 13th December 2014 - Teacher of Leadership 101
10 Hours in Leadership Studies - Certificate of Witness for the Investiture/Enthronement
Her ministry reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, discipleship, and spiritual growth.
Author, Teacher and Defender of Holiness
Beyond church leadership, Rev. Dr. Claribel Izulu has devoted herself to writing and Christian education.
She presently authors:
- Sunday School Manuals for Adults
- Sunday School Manuals for Children
- Religious and devotional teaching materials
Her writings focus strongly on:
- holiness,
- righteousness,
- repentance,
- spiritual discipline,
- and genuine Christian living.
She remains deeply concerned about what she describes as the spiritual decline within modern Christianity. According to her, many believers have become spiritually empty because of excessive attachment to worldly desires, materialism, and the pursuit of wealth.
She consistently teaches that:
- righteousness must return to the pulpit,
- holiness should never become outdated,
- and the Church must return to sincere devotion to God rather than the pursuit of money and material riches.
Her messages continue to challenge believers toward purity, discipline, and deeper commitment to Christ.
Strength, Grace and Endurance
Even in advanced age, Rev. Dr. Claribel Izulu remains remarkably active in ministry work.
At 84 years old, she was still described as:
- brisk,
- agile,
- joyful in service,
- and passionately committed to the work of God.
Her life represents resilience through hardship, faith through uncertainty, and grace through decades of spiritual leadership.
Legacy of a Spiritual Mother
Rev. Dr. Claribel Diepreye Izulu belongs to a distinguished generation of women who helped shape the spiritual foundations of the Niger Delta through sacrifice, prayer, discipline, and unwavering faith.
From the classrooms of Twon Brass…
To the banking halls of the Central Bank…
From the tragedy of civil war…
To the altar of ministry and episcopal leadership…
She has remained faithful.
A mother in Zion.
A guardian of holiness.
A preacher of righteousness.
A mentor to generations.
And a living symbol of strength, humility, and divine calling in the Niger Delta.
