JOHN CARDINAL ONAIYEKAN @ 80: CELEBRATING A QUINTESSENTIAL HUMANIST; PRAGMATIC PEACEMAKER; DISTINGUISHED GENERAL IN GOD’S KINGDOM
With profound gratitude to God Almighty, I join numerous others to congratulate our revered John Cardinal Onaiyekan, CON on the momentous occasion of his 80th birthday anniversary.
The wish and desire of every person is to grow old, advance in age, and experience remarkable achievements in spheres of life. One is particularly grateful to God that in every of his ecclesiastical, humanitarian and other endeavours, John Cardinal Onaiyekan has made indelible marks, and enviable records. In all his priestly calling, and public engagements, he has not only soared above varied vicissitudes of life but emerged victoriously as a timeless inspiration to many people in Nigeria and around the world.
One is even more grateful to God that in all of these, he weathered the storms and did not only get to the zenith of his divine calling; as a “General” in the Lord’s Kingdom but positively impacted on the lives of Christians, and other faiths both within and without the country.
Indeed, as one of his numerous admirers for decades, and having observed John Cardinal Onaiyekan’s passion and commitment to nation building, and personal development of people, I can confidently confirm that he is a quintessential humanist, pragmatic peacemaker, and altruistic personality. Over the years, he has emerged as a beacon of hope, and veritable mentor to many people across the world. Moreso, he has played leading roles, and made personal sacrifices in the development of Kabba; his ancestral birthplace, Okunland, and Kogi state.
As we all savour the uniqueness of God’s grace, mercy, and blessings on our dear John Cardinal Onaiyekan on his 80th birthday anniversary, I pray that our Heavenly Father will endow him with continued wisdom, knowledge and understanding for more selfless service to God and Humanity. I also pray that he will experience excellent health, perfect strength, and endless joy for more fruitful years on earth, Amen
Rt. Hon. Yusuf Tajudeen (TeeJay),
Member representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency (2011-2023),
National Assembly,
Abuja.
Monday, January 29, 2024.