IT was 43 years ago that he was ordained. He has had an illustrious ecclesiastical career since then. It is distinguished by diligence and exemplary commitment to excellence. Enter Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan who became a cardinal in the Catholic Church yesterday.
He is among six cardinals whom Pope Benedict XVI announced in a surprise pronouncement at the Vatican in Rome. Others are from Lebanon, the Philippines, Colombia, India and the United States, a clear departure from previous appointments that had largely tilted towards Italy and the rest of Europe.
Earlier this month, Onaiyekan and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, were short-listed for a Nobel Peace Prize.
With the current development, Onaiyekan is now the fourth cardinal in the Catholic Church in Nigeria. The other three before him were Dominic Cardinal Ignatius Ekadem, Francis Cardinal Arinze and Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie.
His elevation has been well-received in Nigeria. From President Goodluck Jonathan to the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, and the Prelate, Methodist Church, Nigeria, His Eminence Sunday Ola Makinde came commendations.
He is among six cardinals whom Pope Benedict XVI announced in a surprise pronouncement at the Vatican in Rome. Others are from Lebanon, the Philippines, Colombia, India and the United States, a clear departure from previous appointments that had largely tilted towards Italy and the rest of Europe.
Earlier this month, Onaiyekan and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, were short-listed for a Nobel Peace Prize.
With the current development, Onaiyekan is now the fourth cardinal in the Catholic Church in Nigeria. The other three before him were Dominic Cardinal Ignatius Ekadem, Francis Cardinal Arinze and Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie.
His elevation has been well-received in Nigeria. From President Goodluck Jonathan to the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, and the Prelate, Methodist Church, Nigeria, His Eminence Sunday Ola Makinde came commendations.
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