BENIN CITY – Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu has praised the Catholic Church of the Benin dioces for erecting a state of the art edifice for the propagation of God’s word.
Speaking shortly after its commissioning, Shaibu observed that the Benin Catholic Archdiocesan Chancery building, apart from its strategic location, has as one of its key mandate to fast track and propagate the word of God.
He prayed that the purpose for which the building was constructed is achieved.
Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, one time Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese in Lagos State, officially dedicated the chancery building (administrative office) for the use of the church located adjacent the St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Airport Road.
Cardinal Okogie while commissioning the building took time out to invoke God’s blessings and guidance on those who would subsequently enter the building where key administrative decisions would be taken.
Host Archbishop, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze took time out from his homily to eulogise Archbishop Emeritus, Patrick Ebosele Ekpu who was physically present for initiating structures which are still in use and in consonance with modernity.
He praised Ekpu for his foresight and effective service delivery which birthed Uromi and Auchi catholic dioceses and invariably led to the expansion of the church.
He said the church toed this expansion line with the building of the new diocesan chancery within two years because of its need for better pastoral service delivery in the administration of issues relating to the diocesan laity and the curia.
Akubeze who used the occasion to touch on the 59th Independence celebration of Nigeria, stated that “God is not a fair weather friend, his love is everlasting hence, he gave us guardian angels to guide us even if we believe or not in their existence, ” adding that everybody, sinners and believers has a guardian angel.
