From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the Chairman, Platform Petroleum Limited, High Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, yesterday, showered encomiums on the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, as Onaiyekan clocked 80.
Akpabio and Lulu-Briggs spoke during the 80th Birthday celebration and book presentation of Onaiyekan in Abuja.
The book titled ‘Religion for Peace: Post-Retirement Reflections of John Cardinal Onaiyekan on Interfaith Dialogue,’ chronicled Onaiyekan’s past reflections on interfaith dialogue.
In his remarks, Akpabio who chaired the occasion, said the truly momentous occasion was to celebrate the remarkable life and legacies of a true icon of faith and leadership.
Akpabio said: “We have gathered to honour a man who has dedicated his entire life to the service of others, a man whose unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, and unity has touched countless lives and inspired generations.
“As we reflect upon the extraordinary journey of His Eminence, we are reminded of the power of resilience and determination. Born into humble beginnings, he rose above adversity and embraced the call to serve a higher purpose. Through his unfaltering faith and unfluctuating dedication, he became a beacon of hope, guiding his flock with love, compassion, and unwavering integrity.”
Akpabio also said Onaiyekan’s leadership and ministry have been marked by a resolute pursuit of justice and equality.
“In the face of injustice, he has been a tireless advocate for the marginalized and the voiceless. His Eminence has taught us that true leadership lies not in the pursuit of power, but in the relentless pursuit of justice and the untiring commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable among us.
“But it is not just his actions that inspire us; it is his words that resonate in our hearts. His Eminence possesses a rare gift of eloquence and a profound ability to unite people from all walks of life. His words have the power to heal, to bridge divides, and to ignite the flames of hope in even the darkest of times. His sermons have touched the hearts of millions, reminding us of our shared humanity and the inherent dignity that resides within each and every one of us.
“Beyond his religious leadership, Cardinal Onaiyekan has also been a champion for interfaith dialogue and understanding. In a world often divided by religious differences, he has tirelessly worked to build bridges of understanding and foster a spirit of unity among all faiths. His Eminence’s life is a proof that true faith is not a source of division, but a powerful force that can bring togetherness in our shared pursuit of a better world.
“As we celebrate His Eminence’s 80th birthday, we are reminded of the profound impact he has had on the lives of countless individuals, both within and beyond the Catholic Church. His legacy is one of compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to the ideals of justice and equality. He has shown us that one person can make a difference, that a life dedicated to service is a life well-lived,” Akpabio also said.
On his part, Lulu-Briggs who hosted the event, said the gathering was to mark a milestone, by no small feat, of an extraordinary personality, the 80th birthday celebration of a distinguished servant of humanity and of God.
Lulu-Briggs also said it was a day for the presentation of a book in which intellect and wisdom were encapsulated, a reflection of the depth of Onaiyekan’s insights and contributions to faith, peace, and society.
“His Eminence has been the human equivalent of a blazing torch, always spiritually ablaze to keep the rest of us safe. He literally sets himself on fire to keep the rest of us warm.
“As we gather to celebrate the grand 80 candles on his cake, we can’t help but wonder how much larger the fire will be at his 90th! Now we won’t stop there; after he hits 150 years and beyond, we will begin to nudge the Vatican hotline for his sainthood! So here’s to His Eminence, the man who burns bright, our beacon of hope, always guiding us all. Onward to 150 and beyond by Gods special grace and mercy,” Lulu-Briggs said.