……….Laud His Impact on Church and Nation.
By Uchenna Eletuo
Lagos, June 12, 2026 (NAN) – Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese of Lagos are set to celebrate the 90th birthday of Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, paying glowing tributes to the revered cleric for his immense contributions to the Church and the Nigerian nation.
The Archdiocese made this known in a statement signed by Rt. Hon. Chev. Peter Nwanze, Chairman of the All-Purpose Committee, and Very Rev. Fr. Julius Olaitan, Secretary of the committee.
According to the statement, the celebration will honour three major milestones in Cardinal Okogie’s life and ministry: his 90th birthday on June 16, 2026, his 60th anniversary of priestly ordination on Dec. 4, 2026, and his 55th anniversary of episcopal ordination on Aug. 29, 2026.
To mark the remarkable achievements, the Archdiocese has consolidated the anniversaries into a grand thanksgiving celebration scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, coinciding with the Cardinal’s 90th birthday.
The celebration will commence with a Solemn Thanksgiving Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Cathedral and is expected to attract bishops, priests, religious leaders, lay faithful, government officials, traditional rulers, captains of industry, friends and well-wishers from within and outside Nigeria.
The Church noted that a humanitarian outreach programme has also been incorporated into the event in line with Cardinal Okogie’s lifelong commitment to charity and service to the less privileged.
Speaking on the forthcoming celebration, Peter Nwanze described Cardinal Okogie as an iconic Church leader and pillar of faith whose decades of dedicated service have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the nation at large.
He said the Cardinal remains a symbol of courage, integrity and unwavering faith, having consistently championed justice, defended human dignity and provided exemplary leadership during critical periods in Nigeria’s history.
Nwanze further noted that Cardinal Okogie has served as a moral compass and prophetic voice for generations of Catholics and Nigerians, inspiring countless individuals through his commitment to truth, pastoral zeal and service to humanity.
Investigator news reports that the Okogie is widely respected for his outspoken advocacy on national issues and steadfast defence of the oppressed and he is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential Catholic leaders.
His contributions to the growth of the Church, promotion of peace and advancement of social justice continue to resonate across the country.
The June 16 celebration is expected to draw widespread participation as the Catholic community and other stakeholders gather to honour a man whose life and ministry have significantly impacted both the Church and the nation.