By Stellamaries Amuwa
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has extolled John Cardinal Onaiyekan for his contributions to national unity.
Kaigama gave the commendation in Abuja on Saturday during a mass to celebrate Onaiyekan’s 80th birthday.
According to him, Onaiyekan is known for his desire to preach peaceful/harmonious coexistence and genuine inter-religious dialogue in Nigeria.
“His inter-religious initiatives are well-known today in Nigeria and beyond, and his honest desire for peaceful/harmonious coexistence, and genuine inter-religious dialogue has taken him to different parts of the world.
“The man Onaiyekan is an intellectual colossus, a loyal son of the Church and a patriotic Nigerian. No wonder, the Pope honoured him by making him a Cardinal,” he said.
Kaigama, who described Onaiyekan’s commitment as exceptional, said his dedication to the cause of the Church and his love for Nigeria and Nigerians is what has made him to be known for his characteristic passion and patriotism, especially when he speaks publicly.
“God has blessed Cardinal Onaiyekan with unusual strength and ability to combine so many things at the same time, such as managing a big Metropolitan such as Abuja, being President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and the President of what used to be the Association of the Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (AECAWA) as well as the Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).
“He performed his duties in all these positions with great admiration and excellence.”
Mosgr Aniagu of the Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, in a sermon, described Cardinal Onaiyekan as unbelievably a humble man who allowed God’s will to guide him anywhere he entered.
Aniagu, who was Onaiyekan’s course mate, said that he discharged every office, assignment given to him with distinctions.
