Politics
GOV. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has congratulated His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze, on his 90th birthday anniversary.
Soludo who joined the thanksgiving at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, said Cardinal Arinze was one of God’s finest gifts to the world.
Mr Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to Soludo, who said this in a statement on Thursday in Awka.
He quoted the governor as saying that the nonagenarian had been a great influence and inspiration to the universal world, Nigeria, Anambra and to him personally.
The governor wished His Eminence, good health and many more years on earth.
“I recount, you had a special mass for me and my predecessor, giving me a message which I will never forget.
“You told me that while I am in a haste to change the world, I should always remember that the people I deal with are children of Adam and Eve,” he said.
Soludo thanked the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, for organising the event as well as those who attended the birthday mass which was held on a working day.
He said it was significant that he attended the same mass with his two immediate predecessors, Chief Willie Obiano, his wife and Mr Peter Obi.
In a short response, Cardinal Arinze thanked Soludo and other guests who came to celebrate the special occasion with him for their presence.
Cardinal Arinze hails from Eziowelle in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra.
He is the Archbishop Emeritus of Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, a highly placed patriarch and Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Other dignitaries who joined at the mass were Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, Sen. Victor Umeh, Mr Ikenna Iyiegbu, cardinals, bishops, monsignors, Rev. Fathers andtraditional rulers among others.(NAN)
KN
Tags: Christian Aburime Chukwuma Soludo Francis Cardinal Arinze Willie Obiano
