- …pledges car gift at priestly jubilee
By Frank Ulom
OGOJA (CONVERSEER) – The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has announced a ₦120 million donation towards the construction of the new St. Benedict Cathedral, Ogoja, alongside a car gift to one of the celebrants, Rev. Fr. Peter Obele Abue, in honour of his 40th priestly anniversary.
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, Governor Otu made the announcement during the Ruby and Golden Jubilee celebration of Bishop Donatus Akpan and other priests at St. Benedict Cathedral, Ogoja, on Sunday. The governor said the gesture was a mark of appreciation for decades of selfless service to God and humanity.
He pledged a brand-new car to Rev. Fr. Obele Abue, explaining that the priest shares a special connection with his family, as he was named “Peter” after the cleric’s late father.
Earlier in his goodwill message, Governor Otu commended Bishop Akpan and the jubilarians — Rev. Fr. Dr Peter Obele, Rev. Fr. Paschal Igbaji, Rev. Fr. Chris Owan, and Rev. Fr. Anthony Bassey — for their steadfast commitment to their divine calling. He described their decades-long service as “a testament to faith, perseverance, and love.”
“To serve God and His people for forty or fifty years in the priesthood is more than longevity; it is holy sacrifice, love, and endurance,” he stated, citing 1 Timothy 5:17 to highlight the worthiness of honour for those who labour in word and doctrine.
Governor Otu praised the priests for their tireless work in preaching the Gospel, offering counsel, administering sacraments, visiting the sick, and bringing hope to the faithful through their ministry. He also acknowledged the Catholic Church’s significant contributions to education, healthcare, and social welfare in the state, assuring continued collaboration for the common good.
In separate goodwill messages, dignitaries including the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio (represented by Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe); the Chairman of the Ogoja Diocesan Priests Association; the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi; Executive Chairman of Obudu LGA, lauded the celebrants’ dedication and pledged their support for the growth of the Church.
Governor Otu concluded by praying for renewed strength, wisdom, and grace for Bishop Akpan and all the jubilarians as they continue their service to God and humanity.
