Dr. Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State, has called on Nigerians to mirror the selflessness, industriousness, and pursuit of excellence demonstrated by the emeritus Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji.
The governor made this charge on Wednesday during a holy mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, Emene, Enugu, marking the episcopal golden anniversary of Bishop Gbuji, who has been praised by Pope Francis for his pastoral works and spiritual fervour.
Gov. Mbah, in his congratulatory message to the 92-year-old clergy, pointed out that Enugu had been privileged to benefit from Gbuji’s sacrificial and influential journey as a priest. He expressed gratitude for the bishop’s lifelong dedication to duty and service.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Enugu State, I join His Lordship, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Most Rev. Calistus Onaga, to also express our profound gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to the celebrant,” said Gov. Mbah.
He urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from Bishop Gbuji’s life and his outstanding episcopal achievements, highlighting the bishop’s immense contributions to society and his willingness to impart knowledge to others during his tenure as a teacher and a principal.
Gov. Mbah also acknowledged Bishop Gbuji’s role in laying the foundation for initiatives such as the Godfrey Okoye University, as well as his dedication to the New Evangelization, which has earned him the title “Father of New Evangelization.”
Furthermore, the Governor expressed deep appreciation for Bishop Gbuji’s pioneering roles and ongoing efforts for the Church and society, emphasizing that the bishop’s legacies will continue to inspire the people of Enugu State.
Pope Francis, in a goodwill message, described Gbuji as an extraordinarily devoted servant of God who demonstrated profound magnanimity, spiritual fervour, and active pastoral solitude. The Pope acknowledged Bishop Gbuji’s outstanding dedication to the clergy and people of God.
During the event, the emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Cardinal John Onayeikan, eulogized Bishop Gbuji as an exceptional figure dedicated to the development of the Church and society, a voice of conscience even during the military era, and “a unifying force for peaceful coexistence among priests, religious, and the people of God” in Nigeria.
Bishop Gbuji, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, clergies, and the people of Enugu for celebrating him, pledging to continue giving his best to the Church and society.
The occasion was attended by political and spiritual leaders, including the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, and former governors of Enugu State, Mr. Sullivan Chime and Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. The event was also graced by seven Catholic Cardinals and 20 bishops.
