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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and a former Attorney General of Imo State, Chuckwuma-Machukwu Ume, have congratulated Rev. Fr Emeka Ngwoke on the occasion of his 60th birthday, praising his unwavering and passionate services in God’s vineyard.
They spoke separately at the 60th birthday celebration of Fr. Ngwoke at the Jubilee Hall, Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu.
In his congratulatory message, Governor Mbah described Fr Ngwoke as an academic, author and passionate shepherd in God’s vineyard, who has etched his name in gold.
He said the priest has established a legacy as “an academic, author and passionate shepherd in God’s vineyard, inspiring countless people.
Governor Mbah’s letter read: “On behalf of my family, the Government and good people of Enugu State, I convey my joyful felicitations to you on this watershed dual events of your 60th birthday celebration and book launch of your top-notch book titled, ‘Newman: Universal Revelation and the Challenge of Inculturation in an African Church.’
“I am happy to join you in thanking God for His mercies, grace, blessings and favours upon you these 60 solid years. At 60, you have etched your name in gold, established a legacy as an academic, author and passionate shepherd in God’s vineyard, inspiring countless people.”
Speaking in his capacity as the chairman of the event, Chief Ume, highlighted the good virtues and qualities of the celebrant and his meticulous service to God and humanity.
While commenting on the book, Ume said: “You are today sowing a new seed in the garden of deeper knowledge of African Christianity. This book does not merely add to the growing body of theological literature; it dares to engage one of the most critical questions confronting Christianity in Africa; how the universal message of Christ finds genuine expression within the African experience.
The senior lawyer added: “Today’s event unites celebration and contemplation. Celebration because we rejoice with a priest whose 60 years radiate service, humility and brilliance. And contemplation, because we are also presenting a work that dares to make us think about how God reveals Himself to humanity, not only through scripture, but also through culture, conscience and creation itself.
“Rev Fr Ngwoke’s work carries a deep message for our world today. It is about spiritual liberation; freeing the African Christians from the quiet feeling of inferiority that the colonial mindset left behind.”
He further described the book as a wake-up call for us to move beyond imitation towards integration; beyond dependency towards discovery; beyond the borrowed voice toward an authentic African articulation of the same eternal truth.”
