Valentine Ozigbo, a 2021 Anambra Gubernatorial Candidate, greets His Eminence, Peter Ebele Cardinal Okpaleke, at the clerics’s 60th birthday in a grand ceremony that also marked the 10th anniversary of his episcopal ordination and the third anniversary of the creation of the Ekwulobia Diocese on Saturday, May 20, 2023. | Onyinye Omah
EKWULOBIA, Nigeria – His Eminence, Peter Ebele Cardinal Okpaleke, celebrated his 60th birthday in a grand ceremony that also marked the 10th anniversary of his episcopal ordination and the third anniversary of the creation of the Ekwulobia Diocese. Among the distinguished attendees was a respected business leader and a 2021 Anambra Gubernatorial Candidate, Valentine Ozigbo.
Mr Ozigbo, in an impassioned speech, showered praises on Cardinal Okpaleke for his exceptional contributions to the Church and society. He described Cardinal Okpaleke as a beacon of selfless service and humility.
“In ten years since his episcopal ordination, His Eminence, Cardinal Okpaleke has touched the heavens, reaching the Cardinalate through his unwavering devotion and commitment,” Ozigbo noted, underscoring the Cardinal’s impressive ascent within the Church.
“Cardinal Okpaleke, your life and your service illuminate the path for all of us,” Ozigbo said. “You were chosen not by men but by God Himself for this divine mission. Your unwavering commitment and humility are a testament to this divine selection.”
Ozigbo pledged his continued support for the progress of the Ekwulobia Diocese and for His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke.
In response, Cardinal Okpaleke expressed gratitude towards Mr Ozigbo for his enduring dedication to the Church, and for making the trip from the United States to be at the event.
The event, which held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, was chaired by Senator Victor Umeh, senator-elect for Anambra Central.
Among other guests at the event were billionaire agri-businessman Chief Sunday Ezeobiora (Sunny Vespa); the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; CEO of Jezco Oil Nigeria Ltd., Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor; and the Traditional Ruler of Awa Community, HRH Igwe Isreal Ezue.
The celebration underlined a message of deep respect for Cardinal Okpaleke’s service and the ongoing commitment of Anambra’s leaders to support the growth and progress of the Church and the wider community.
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