Catholics celebrate Cardinal Okogie at 90, hail him as pillar of faith, moral voice

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has rolled out plans for a grand celebration in honour of its immediate past Archbishop, His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, as he marks his 90th birthday, with the Church describing him as a pillar of faith, courage and moral leadership in Nigeria.

The Archdiocese disclosed this in a statement signed by Rt. Hon. Chev. Peter Nwanze, Chairman of the All-Purpose Committee, and Very Rev. Fr. Julius Olaitan, Secretary of the committee.

According to the statement, the celebration is designed to honour Cardinal Okogie’s remarkable contributions to the Church and society over several decades of dedicated service.

The Church noted that the event would commemorate three major milestones in the life of the revered cleric: his 90th birthday on June 16, 2026; his 60th anniversary of priestly ordination scheduled for December 4, 2026; and his 55th anniversary of episcopal ordination on August 29, 2026.

To mark these landmark anniversaries, the Archdiocese has consolidated the celebrations into a grand thanksgiving event holding on Tuesday, June 16, coinciding with the Cardinal’s 90th birthday.

The celebration will commence with a Solemn Thanksgiving Mass at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, and is expected to attract a distinguished gathering of bishops, priests, religious men and women, lay faithful, government officials, traditional rulers, captains of industry, friends and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond.

The Archdiocese described the occasion as a fitting tribute to a churchman whose life has been defined by selfless service, steadfast faith and unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Gospel.

It further revealed that, in keeping with Cardinal Okogie’s lifelong dedication to charity and care for the less privileged, a major humanitarian outreach programme has been incorporated into the celebration to provide support and relief to vulnerable members of society.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Nwanze described Cardinal Okogie as an iconic Church leader whose influence transcends religious boundaries.

“Cardinal Okogie remains a symbol of courage, integrity and unwavering faith. He has spent decades championing justice, defending human dignity and providing exemplary leadership during some of the nation’s most challenging periods,” he said.

According to him, generations of Catholics and Nigerians have looked up to the Cardinal as a moral compass and prophetic voice, drawing inspiration from his commitment to truth, pastoral zeal and service to humanity.

Nwanze noted that Cardinal Okogie’s legacy continues to inspire both the clergy and the laity, stressing that his contributions to nation-building, advocacy for good governance and promotion of social justice have earned him respect across religious, political and social divides.

For many Nigerians, Cardinal Okogie remains one of the most influential voices in the Catholic Church, renowned for his forthright positions on national issues and his steadfast defence of the rights and welfare of ordinary citizens.

As the Archdiocese and the wider Catholic community gather to celebrate the revered cleric, the occasion is expected not only to honour a life of extraordinary service but also to reflect on the enduring values of faith, compassion, justice and leadership that have defined Cardinal Okogie’s remarkable journey.

The thanksgiving celebration is expected to serve as a moment of gratitude for a man whose decades of ministry have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church in Nigeria and whose legacy continues to inspire generations of believers and citizens alike. NAN