President Jonathan congratulates Archbishop Onaiyekan on his elevation to the rank of Cardinal

On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has heartily congratulated Bishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan on his elevation to the rank of Cardinal of the Catholic Church by Pope Benedict XVI.


President Jonathan believes 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.

In a statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, on Wednesday, October 24, the President noted that with Bishop Onaiyekan’s elevation, Nigeria now has three members of the most eminent and distinguished College of Catholic Cardinals. He welcomed 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 wished him a very successful tenure as Cardinal.