A special Thanksgiving Service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Abuja, followed by a Luncheon at the Episcopal House Multipurpose Hall, Wuye, Abuja were held last Sunday, 18th July, 2021, to celebrate the Divine gift to humanity of Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
The Eucharistic service was presided over by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Revd Dr Ali Buba Lamido and assisted by the Archbishop of Bendel Province, The Most Revd Dr Cyril Odutemu, who preached the sermon, the Archbishop of Lagos, The Most Revd Michael Olusina Fape, the Archbishop of Jos, The Most Revd Marcus Ibrahim, who led the intercessory prayer and eighteen other Bishops of Church of Nigeria.
Odutemu, who appreciated the privilege of preaching from the number one pulpit of the Church of Nigeria, conveyed the greetings of the Diocese of Ughelli and Province of Bendel and thanked God for the life of Primate Ndukuba. Taking his text from Romans 11:33, he said that those predestined by God to work for his purpose never struggle to win, as the depth of the riches, wisdom and knowledge of God are beyond us.
“Baba, I’m sure you will be asking in your heart, ‘How did I get here?’” he asked Ndukuba. He further told the celebrant that 60 years is actually half time and that if football match is at half time the players struggle to win. “At 60, it is time to look inward, look at the past and look up to God and get prepared and confident to give account to the Master”, he said, even as he charged Christians to work according to the purpose and plans of God for their lives.
The Service was graced by some dignitaries, including the immediate past Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Revd Nicholas Okoh and his wife, Mrs Nkasiobi Okoh, the former Archbishop of Bendel, The Most Revd Friday Imeakhai, the governors of Ekiti and Edo states, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Dr. Godwin Obaseki, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and other National Assembly members, Prince Arthur Eze, a Business Mogul and other captain of Industries. A former Aviation Minister and Federal Road Safety Corps Marshal, Chief Osita Chidoka, who also marked his 50th birthday, was also there.
The Birthday cake was cut in the service, after which, Ndukuba and family later hosted guests at a Luncheon at the Episcopal House Multipurpose Hall, Wuye and appreciated all goodwill and support received.
Meanwhile, Goodwill Messages and encomiums have been poured on Ndukuba by revered Ecclesiastes, distinguished personalities and officials and corporate bodies and institutions. Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu described him as a dedicated spiritual leader and selfless statesman, stressing that he has built a niche for himself in all facets of life and that his accomplishments are enormous and worthy of emulation. “The celebrant has sustained his pedigree and goodwill in all spheres of life. His personality is an embodiment of peace and love. As he marks this feat, I join the Christian community in celebrating the good works of the cleric”, Kalu said.
The Archbishop of Lagos, the Most Rev. Dr Michael Fape said: “He is a man that the Church of God is thanking God for. He has not wasted the grace of God on his life.” A former Dean of the Church of Nigeria and Archbishop of Bendel, The Most Rev. Dr Friday Imaekhai said he has started very well and prayed for Divine enablement to continue and end well.