By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has congratulated Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese in Anambra State, on his elevation to the cardinalate by Pope Francis with 20 others across the globe

Cardinal Okpalaeke was at a Consistory in the Vatican City, Rome, on Saturday to receive his Red Hat, making him one of the Princes of the Universal Church.

Governor Soludo, who was at St Peter’s Square, Vatican, Rome, in company of his wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, as a Special Guest and leader of 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

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

Soludo in a statement by Press Secretary to the state government, Christian Aburime prayed God to grant Cardinal Okpalaeke more strength, sound health and wisdom to excel in his new assignment in the vineyard of God.

“You are worthy of emulation, especially now the state is set to regain its pride of place. You Are Blessing to Universal Church”, he stated.

Meanwhile, Governor Soludo has described as a spiritual coincidence the emergence of a new Cardinal from Anambra State on same day that the state clocked 31 years of its creation from old Anambra State.

Soludo, who spoke from Rome on Saturday, said: “Today is a special day in the life of our state. Today marks the 31st Anniversary since the creation of Anambra State and I bring you felicitations from the St Peters’ Square, Vatican, Rome.

“Coincidentally, myself, my wife and a contingent of Ndi Anambra are here to witness the creation of a new Cardinal, one of the two created from Africa is our own brother and worthy son of Anambra State; Bishop Peter Ebele Okpalaeke

“It’s quite a coincidence that a new Cardinal from Anambra State is being created exactly today on the Anniversary of the creation of the state thirty one years ago.

“It’s not a mere coincidence. There must be something spiritual about it.

“Today, those of us from Anambra have come to celebrate with him and welcome him as he Receives the Red Hat, but also to lift our state up high unto the Lord for his bountiful blessings, not only on the Cardinal but on the people of Anambra as we March on to a livable and prosperous smart mega-city.”

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