The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has congratulated the Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese in Anambra, on his ordination as a cardinal by Pope Francis.
The Herald can report that Okpaleke, 59, was elevated to the cardinalate alongside 20 others from different parts of the world.
Soludo, who led Anambra’s delegation to the ceremony alongside his wife, Nonye Soludo, at St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, described the elevation as a befitting reward for the Bishop who over the years, had shown exemplary conduct in the service of God through great personal sacrifices and outstanding contributions to ecumenical services in the church.
He said, “With this elevation, Cardinal Okpalaeke becomes the only active Cardinal in Nigeria and also the highest in rank among Nigerian clergymen.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Anambra State, I pray that God would grant Cardinal Okpalaeke more strength, sound health and wisdom to excel in his new assignment in the vineyard of God.”
Read Also: “Behold the Prince of the Church” – Peter Obi hails Peter Okpaleke’s ordination as cardinal
In a Facebook post shortly after, said that Ndị Anambra were grateful to God for the “privilege of his many blessings upon us”.
In the message he personally, the governor said, “As a State, today marks our 31 years of corporate existence, and quite fortuitously, we celebrate the creation of our Son as the “the Prince of the mother Church” on the same day.
“It is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our sight.
“Congratulations His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke.”