…renews call on Nigerians to vote wisely
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has extolled the spiritual foresight and leadership qualities of Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, Bishop of Auchi Catholic Diocese.
The Deputy Governor made the remarks during the dedication of the church cathedral, the 20th anniversary of the canonical erection of the diocese and the episcopal ordination of Bishop Gabriel Dunia, which was held at the Catholic Cathedral in Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government.
Shaibu acknowledged the contributions and pastoral commitments of Bishop Dunia while attributing the feat to God’s providence and choice as the first Bishop of Auchi Diocese.
“He is worthy of applause for all he did in 20 years with the clergy, religious and laity at his disposal”.
“He set the diocese on the path of success and progress with an increase in the number of priests, parishes, lay associations, spiritual and physical development that we have all continued to sustain and develop to where we are today”.
“We also applaud efforts of the Diocesan Administrators, clergymen and religious, as well as the lay faithful that have been working with him in the last 20 years”.
The Deputy Governor who doubled as Chairman of the occasion was decorated with a certificate and award of appreciation for his invaluable service to the diocese. He admonished the faithful to continue to give, serve and seek heaven alone that brings true happiness and fulfilment.
“Today, my Lord Bishop, priests and religious, I’m happy and fulfilled with what God has used all of us to do for His glory and honour”.
“I can notice so many developments in the past 20 years which give us the courage and hope that God is not done yet with you and we too are not done yet with God. He will continue to reign in this Diocese of Auchi”.
“The dedication of the cathedral among other successes achieved is our pride and we have taken an enviable position among the dioceses in Nigeria. The growth and increase in the number of priests, vocations and parishes are quite commendable. We are grateful to God because, through Mary our Mother, we have succeeded. We will continue to succeed because this is God’s diocese”, Shaibu added.
On the fast approaching 2023 general elections, the state number two citizen re-echoed his call on Nigerians, particularly eligible voters, to guard their PVCs jealously as they prepare to elect trusted and credible leaders, who would pilot the affairs of Nigeria in the next four years.
Earlier in his homily, the Bishop of Auchi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, reiterated the need for continued cooperation and support of priests, including the entire faithful of the diocese, while reminding them that the spiritual and physical growth of the diocese was a collective responsibility.
” Let each of us renew our dedication, forgive and pledge together from today, to be committed children of God and his church in Auchi Catholic Diocese, so that the mission of Christ will continue to expand”, Bishop Dunia affirmed
Notable dignitaries at the dedication cum celebration service were Her Excellency, Mrs. Maryann Philip-Shaibu, wife of the Deputy Governor, immediate past Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Senator representing Edo North and PDP candidate, Senator Francis Alimikhena and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe.
The high point of the event was fundraising for the execution of new and the completion of ongoing projects in the Auchi Catholic Diocese.