24th October, 2012
President Goodluck Jonathan has on behalf of himself, the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, heartily congratulated Bishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan on his elevation to the rank of Cardinal of the Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI.
In a statement signed on his behalf by Reuben Abati, his spokesperson, the President said he believed that Bishop Onaiyekan’s elevation to highest echelon of the Catholic Church by the Pope clearly shows that the exemplary diligence, dedication and commitment with which he has gone about his labours in the Lord’s vineyard since his ordination in 1969 has been recognised and appreciated.
The President also noted that with Bishop Onaiyekan’s elevation, Nigeria now has three members of the most eminent and distinguished College of Catholic Cardinals.
He welcomes this as an indication by the Vatican of its continuing recognition of the immense contributions of the Church in Nigeria to the Worldwide Catholic Movement.
President Jonathan prays that God Almighty will grant Bishop Onaiyekan continued good health and the strength, wisdom and Divine Guidance he will require to discharge his new responsibilities to the Glory of God and his fatherland.
He wishes him a very successful tenure as Cardinal.