Onaiyekan’s appointment excites Nigerians

Onaiyekan who is archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja is among six clerics across the globe to be so elevated. As soon as the news the broke, Nigerians from diverse backgrounds started discussing the development at interpersonal and social media levels. The Youth Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) in a press release on […]

Onaiyekan who is archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja is among six clerics across the globe to be so elevated.

As soon as the news the broke, Nigerians from diverse backgrounds started discussing the development at interpersonal and social media levels.

The Youth Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) in a press release on Friday in Abuja said, “This is fitting recognition of his known competence and many years of dedication to the cause of the gospel and his consistent efforts in establishing peace between the two major religions (Christianity and Islam) in Nigeria and beyond.

“Thus in his days as president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, his keen efforts to build a harmonious relationship between the different Christian denominations of Nigeria has ever defined Archbishop Onaiyekan as an Apostle of Peace which got him the recognition as a key nominee of this year’s prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.

“His exemplary diligence, dedication, commitment and humility with which he has gone about his labour in the Lord’s vineyard has been recognized and appreciated.”

The press release was signed by YOWICAN national president and national secretary, Patriot Simon Dolly and Solomon Omaivboje respectively.

Similarly, Eme Kurz a Catholic faithful in Abuja said, “It is an interesting development coming at auspicious time for Nigeria.

“It is like a gift, a consolation to Catholics and Nigerians. It means we’ve not been forgotten in all realms, social, religious or economic. We still have people out there receiving world wide recognition and accolades. The cardinalship did not drop on his lap. Rome has heard and seen all that he has done for the faith and the world in general. I’m happy that Nigeria was not left out in the decisions of Rome. We know now that more than ever God is with us.”

Kurz maintained that Abuja archdiocese under Cardinal Onaiyekan has been lively, “full of outspoken priests—very hard working and conscientious.”

She expressed, “All they [priests] do is get the message of Jesus across. It is evident when you go to mass and hear what they say in their homilies.

Before Onaiyekan’s appointment, Nigeria had three cardinals: the late Ignatius Ekandem, Francis Arinze and Anthony Okojie.