The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide felicitates a rare gem with a plenitude of humility and fidelity; a man with strong ethical persuasion and formidable force of character; a creative and exponential thinker, an Apostle of Christ of world renown, a transcendental personality and the immediate past Co-Chair African Council of Religious Leaders, the Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, His Eminence, Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, PhD; CON as he retires at 80.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo recalls with a deep sense of nostalgia the stewardship of Cardinal Onaiyekan as a spring board for moral and spiritual rebirth; a harmonizer of diverse interests and a bridge builder; an embodied legacy that was divinely scripted and delivered to Nigeria by God; and a man richly endowed with both quantum logic and emotional intelligence; a distinctive epitome of scholarship and the ecclesiastical.
The life of the Cardinal is an inspiring tribute to the power of human beings to shape their own destiny; and at the same time, an admonition for the dangers of self-delusion, laziness and pride. A close study of the Onaiyekan phenomenon reveals a man of immense humility, hard work, prudence, intellect, large heart and equanimity. He is widely viewed as man of God with enormous grace, profound wisdom and extra-ordinary social skill.
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, MFR; OFR; CFR; FNICE; FNSE; FNIST; KSG (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) remarks that Cardinal Onaiyekan is a rare gem who triumphed where many others failed, both in principles and convictions; and that throughout the Onaiyekan episcopacy, he displayed courage, affection, candour, charisma and inter-ethnic harmony. The Cardinal is known for speaking truth to power. And more importantly, he is a moral exemplar, in teachings and precepts. He remains a veritable source of inspiration to the younger generations. The Igbo Leader calls on all Nigerians to emulate the worthy life of His Eminence John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaiyekan.
The Igbo Leader laments that all the yearnings of the Cardinal throughout his forty years of episcopacy for Nigerians to appreciate the possibilities that are inherent in our diversities appear to have fallen on deaf ears. The Cardinal has often preached that true peace means upholding equity, justice and fairness; openness to reconciliation and forgiveness; understanding that what we have in common is far greater than our differences.
While wishing a happy 80th birthday to the Arch Bishop Emeritus of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo is very glad that our Mentor and Father is hale, hearty and is as fit as a fiddle.
It is the prayers of the Igbo that our beloved Cardinal will celebrate many more years in sound mind and vitality.
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Dr.Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia; the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
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