SOLUDO CONGRATULATES CARDINAL PETER EBERE OKPALAEKE AS HE RECEIVES THE RED HAT TODAY

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has congratulated Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese in Anambra State, on his elevation to the cardinalate by Pope Francis with twenty others across the globe.

Cardinal Okpalaeke will today, at a Consistory in the Vatican City in Rome, receive his Red Hat making him one of the Princes of the Universal Church.

Governor Soludo, who is at St Peters’ Square, Vatican, Rome, in Company of his wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, as a Special Guest and leader of Ndi Anambra delegation, described the elevation as a befitting reward for the Bishop who over the years, has shown exemplary conduct in the service of God through great personal sacrifices and outstanding contributions to ecumenical services in the Church.

With this elevation, Cardinal Okpalaeke becomes the only active Cardinal in Nigeria and also the highest in rank among Nigerian clergy men.

Recall that Nigeria has had four Cardinals before the appointment of His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke, namely: Dominic Cardinal Ekandem of blessed memory, Francis Cardinal Arinze, Anthony Cardinal Okojie and John Cardinal Onaiyekan respectively.

On behalf of the Government and good people of Anambra State, Governor Soludo prayed that God would grant Cardinal Okpalaeke more strength, sound health and wisdom to excel in his new assignment in the vineyard of God.

Christian Aburime

Press Secretary To The Governor