His Eminence Cardinal John Onaiyekan(CON),Metropolitan Bishop of Abuja, has faulted the Commander of the Order of the Niger award now been conferred on Nigerians, saying he is no longer comfortable with been a Member of the CON.
The Cardinal made the remarks at the Home reception ceremony organised in his honour by the Sons and daughters of Kabba in Kabba Local Government Area of Kogi State. Onaiyekan says his elevation to the post of a Cardinal and the honour done to him by the Kabba Sons and Daughters is an added and high sense of responsibility for him.
He called on Nigerians to strive for good name,called for the bestowing of honour on worthy individuals who have made their marks genuinely,so as to give the younger generation a sense of hard work and patriotism.
The Cardinal equally called on Government to work out a social welfare scheme for the aged in the society adding that such policy will make for sincerity by Nigerians when they are serving in their prime.
In his speech,the Kogi State Deputy Governor,Yomi Awoniyi,who represented the State Governor,Capt Idris Wada,described the elevation of Cardinal Onayeikan as a blessing to Kogi State. Wada described the Cardinal as a positive reference for today’s youths,called on him not to relent in his service to humanity and the State in particular. The Governor also called on him to continuously place the administration and the State in prayers for continuous guidance.
Wada noted that the State Government is already working towards a policy that will cater for the aged,assured that the policy will be unveiled as soon as the modalities are worked out.
Earlier in His homely,Reverend Father Jerome Megbelehin appealed to the people to shun fetish beliefs and rely on God. He described the Cardinal as a man who got to his exalted position through commitment,hard work and trust in God.
Highlights of the reception was cutting of the reception cake, the renaming of a township road,setting up of an endowment fund and establishing of an annual lecture in honour of the Cardinal.
