Onaiyekan @ 80: Akpabio, Gowon, Briggs, Others Urge Nigerians To Emulate Cardinal’s Passion For Nigeria

Nigeria’s former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has adviced Nigerians to emulate His Eminence Cardinal John Onaiyekan’s commitment to religious tolerance, justice and peace in Nigeria.

The 80th birthday celebration of Onaiyekan in Abuja on Thursday drew Catholic faithful, top government functionaries, business moguls, politicians, and was hosted by Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs.

Gowon described Onaiyekan as a great man who has dedicated his life to serving God and humanity while he “consistently exemplified wisdom.”

He observed that his time as Archbishop of Abuja left an indelible mark on Nigeria.

“The cardinal has witnessed the end of the colonial era in Africa, the development of Nigeria in the search of peace and prosperity for Nigerians,” saying Onaiyekan’s unwavering dedication to God’s work remains an inspiration.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who was chairman of the event, said the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace encapsulates religious tolerance.

Akpabio added that the cleric has demonstrated over the years that differences in faith should not cause division, adding that Onaiyekan exemplifies compassion and humility.

The host, Lulu-Briggs, said of Cardinal Onaiyekan: “He relates with everybody, he will give you a listening ear, he will attend to one’s needs and the most important thing is that he is fearless.”

Lulu-Briggs urged Nigerians to learn from the cardinal whom he said embodies peaceful coexistence.

“We will keep praying for him, he stands for peace, justice and human development and service to humanity and of God,” he added.

Onaiyekan told newsmen during the event that if religion is presented in a way that is not peaceful, the society will be headed for chaos.

“We hope that those who talk about religion will really put their heads together and really believe in God. I believe there is one God, everybody who believes in God will have a common ground,” he said.

At the event, a book named Religion for Peace, a post retirement reflections of John Cardinal Onaiyekan on interfaith dialogue, was unveiled and presented to the audience.

The book was edited by Rev Father George Ehusani.

The book reviewer, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, quoted the Cardinal as saying “what hate speech does is to create pathways to turning compatriots for enemies and once this is done, it creates the basis for conflict.”

Ibrahim said the cardinal believes that Islam and Christianity are from the same source but often times, Muslims and Christians don’t agree on a number of issues.