The Anambra State Government has expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for the creation of a new Catholic Diocese in the state which brings the number in the state to four.
In a statement Monday in Awka, the state capital, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C. Don Adinuba, said with the creation of the Ekwulobia Diocese last week, Pope Francis has enabled Anambra to have the highest number of Catholic dioceses of all states in Nigeria.
โThis is another first for our state which has in the past five years become synonymous with excellence.
โIt is, indeed, a fitting tribute to the state from which the Catholic faith, just like the Anglican faith, spread to all parts of Igboland and beyond.โ
Commissioner Adinuba also noted that with nine dioceses, Anambra State has the largest number of Anglican dioceses in the country and the second highest in the country.
โThe people and Government of Anambra State are very proud of their Christian heritageโ, the statement added.
โOur enthusiastic embrace of Christianity has been a great blessing, as it enabled the fast spread of education and modern medical care in our societyโ.
Adinuba disclosed that Governor Willie Obiano has congratulated Bishop Peter Ebele Okpalaeke on his appointment as the โpremier shepherd of the new diocese.
โThe Vatican could not have made a better choice.
โMost Reverend Dr Okpalaeke is prepared by experience, education, exposure and excellent human relations for the new task.
โHe studied in Nigeria and Europe and has served meritoriously in every position he has been given the opportunity to serve God and manโ.
Governor Obiano also lauded Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor of the Awka Diocese, from which the Ekwulobia Diocese was carved out, for his great role in the creation of the new diocese.
โWhereas in other climes leaders work against so-called reduction of their territories, it is heartwarming that it was the local ordinary in Awka who championed the campaign for the emergence of the new diocese from his area of jurisdiction.
โIt shows the kind of person our bishop is: a man totally devoted to the service of God and absolutely committed to the public goodโ.
Governor Obiano asked Nigerian politicians and other leaders to learn from Bishop Ezeokaforโs selflessness and always work for the common good.