The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, and 47 Catholic archbishops and bishops were among dignitaries who attended the 90th birthday of the Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Archdiocese, Anthony Cardinal Okogie.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while addressing guests at the event, described Cardinal Okogie as the voice of the people who used the pulpit to speak truth to power during his tenure as the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos. He also described him as a man who was bold, courageous and fearless.
The Catholic Pontiff, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, eulogised Cardinal Okogie for his selfless contribution to the growth of the Church and sent his papal blessing to the celebrant as he marked his 90th birthday, 60th ordination anniversary and 55th episcopal anniversary. The Pope’s message was read by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Crotty.
The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Archbishop of Kaduna Archdiocese, His Grace, the Most Reverend Mathew Man Oso Ndagoso, while reading his message, described Cardinal Okogie as a blessing to the Church, saying the legacies he laid over the years are still visible. He stated that Cardinal Okogie, during his tenure as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria many years ago, used his position to speak to power, especially during the military regimes.
The birthday thanksgiving Mass held at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, witnessed a large turnout of dignitaries from all parts of Nigeria.
