The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has congratulated His Eminence, Cardinal Francis Arinze, on the occasion of his 92nd birthday.
In his goodwill message signed by Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Christian Aburime, Soludo eulogised Cardinal Arinze as a most distinguished son of Anambra State and a global icon of the Catholic Church, whose life continues to be a towering testimony to uncompromising faith, intellectual brilliance, and selfless service to God and humanity.
His remarkable journey from Onitsha to the global stage of the Vatican represents a profound source of pride for Anambra State and indeed, Nigeria.
The Governor further stated that throughout his illustrious ecclesiastical career, Cardinal Arinze has been a bastion of spiritual wisdom, diplomatic excellence, and pastoral dedication. His leadership within the Catholic Church, particularly his significant roles in spreading the Gospel, promoting interfaith dialogue, and serving humanity with compassion and integrity are worthy of emulation.
Governor Soludo joins the cleric’s family and Catholic faithful worldwide in wishing Cardinal Francis Arinze robust health, continued divine guidance, and many more years of inspirational leadership.
The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze says Anambra State has produced a preeminent priest in Africa, Francis Cardinal Arinze.
Felicitating Cardinal Arinze, the Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on his 92nd birthday in a release signed by Mr. Emma Madu, the
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Rt Hon. Udeze described him as an outstanding religious leader.
The Speaker who called on other religious leaders to emulate Francis Cardinal Arinze’s humility, uprightness, good nature and devotion, noted that he has done the State, Ndi Igbo, Nigeria and Africa proud in his religious career.
He revealed that Francis Cardinal Arinze has in the course of his priestly mandate and duties, received an unprecedented Gold Medallion from the International Council of Christians and Jews for his outstanding achievements in inter-faith relations.
Rt. Hon. Udeze while praying God to continue to strengthen Francis Cardinal Arinze in all goodness, wished him more eventful years ahead as he continues his service to God and humanity.
