Abuja, 12 November, 2019 / 1:56 am (ACI Africa).
Following Pope Francis’ acceptance of the resignation of John Cardinal Onaiyekan from the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Abuja, and the confirmation of Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama as his successor, President Muhamadu Buhari has extended a congratulatory message to the new Archbishop, assuring him of his support.
“As His Grace, Archbishop Kaigama begins a new phase of his ministry, the President joins all members of the Catholic Church across Nigeria in praying for a successful and memorable tenure in office that will see the Church accomplish great things for the unity and prosperity of the nation, while complementing government’s efforts at human and material development,” reads a statement signed by the President’s Media Aide Femi Adesina dated Sunday, November 10.
According to the Message, “the President recognizes the role Archbishop Kaigama had played in promoting peace, interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims in the country.”
The President has recalled his interaction with the Bishops under their collective body of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and appreciated “the many contributions Catholics have made to Nigeria’s development and assures the leadership of the Church of his government’s active support to faith-based organizations as partners in progress.”
Born on July 31, 1958, Archbishop Kaigama was ordained a priest on June 6, 1981.
