By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, expressed deep gratitude to the Solutions Team for their dedication, sacrifices, and contributions to Anambra’s development and transformation as he said farewell. “I believe the official tenure ended on March 17 this month. I thank you for your three years of service to the state; even serving for a month or a day is a great honour. Being chosen from millions of Ndi Anambra both at home and abroad to serve society and dedicate your life to public service is truly significant”.
He shared this during the Thanksgiving Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Awka.
The governor emphasized that this farewell isn’t permanent, noting that they have a meeting the next morning. “God brought us together for a purpose, and I don’t believe it was by chance that we met. Whether you are in office or out, serving or leaving, I believe you will succeed in your future endeavors. Soon, many of us will join the ranks of former officials, and together, we will form our own community.
“Last Sunday, we held an interdenominational service at the International Convention Centre (ICC) to mark the end of the first term, and today, we are here at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to thank God again for the successful start of the second term and to entrust the administration to His care. It’s noteworthy that the inaugural ceremony coincided with the feast of St. Patrick.”
Governor Soludo reflected on the gospel reading, which spoke to him profoundly. “The message from the gospel of Jesus Christ and Lazarus is that God’s timing is always perfect. It is God’s time that we serve as the Chief Servant of the state. I thank everyone, and I pray that God grants us good health, wisdom to discern right from wrong, and the courage to act accordingly. Anambra has been rising; it is in God’s hands, and it will continue to flourish,” he concluded.
In his homily, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, the representative of Pope Leo XIII in Nigeria, highlighted the significance of the inauguration falling on the feast of St. Patrick, Ireland’s Patron Saint and Nigeria’s second Patron Saint. “As an Irishman, I feel honored to celebrate Mass at this cathedral dedicated to St. Patrick. Nigeria and Ireland are bound by heavenly intercession through St. Patrick.
“We thank God and celebrate Governor Soludo’s second term. We recognize God’s blessings and achievements, for without Him, our efforts are meaningless. We gather as one in prayer for the governor and his administration, asking God to guide them and grant them wisdom to serve the people of Anambra, regardless of how votes were cast.”
He added, “The gospel today shows that Jesus Christ deliberately delayed His visit to Lazarus’ sisters to demonstrate that He is the resurrection and the life,” he explained.
In his welcome address, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, Bishop of Awka Diocese welcomed everyone to the Cathedral for the governor’s thanksgiving. “We thank God for granting the governor the opportunity to serve. We pray that the Lord continues to strengthen him. I warmly welcome all of you gathered here to celebrate.”
Attendees included Peter Cardinal Ebere Okpaleke, bishops, clergy, dignitaries, others.
Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
