The St. Gabriel Chaplaincy and theยญ entire Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) community came together to celebrate the 60th birthday of the Former Governor of Rivers State and Former Minister of Transportation of Nigeria, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. The celebration began with a Holy Mass, celebrated by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama.
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In his homily, Archbishop Kaigama charged Amaechi to “continue speaking the truth, don’t be afraid or silent, because God has promised us his continued protection.” He added, “Your struggles for society, struggles for Nigeria will not be in vain. The Lord has promised to support you. Continue your fight against poverty, because we have too many poor people today.”
Archbishop Kaigama further emphasized the need for individual and collective efforts to address poverty in society, stating, “See how we can individually and collectively deal with the issue of poverty in our society.” He lamented the current state of the country, saying, “The whole country is upside down and struggling, instead of talking about technology and progress, we are struggling with religion.”
The Prelate dedicated Amaechi and his family to God, saying, “When God has destined anything for you, so shall it be. God’s plans for you in this life will surely come to pass, because you still have a long way to go.” He urged Amaechi to continue protecting the interests of the nation and to always plan with God in mind.
The Secretary General of CSN and Chaplain of the St. Gabriel Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, in his remark, acknowledged Amaechi’s enduring impact and legacy. He appreciated Amaechi’s support for the Chaplaincy, CSN, and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), particularly the palliatives donated during difficult times for the poor and marginalised in the community. He charged Amaechi to continue being a channel of support to the poor and needy.
In response, the celebrant expressed gratitude to the priests of the Catholic Secretariat for their endurance and support. He shared his testimony, saying, “I come from a very poor family… My prayer to God was to marry and overcome poverty.” He thanked Archbishop Kaigama, Bishop Kukah, Bishop Umoren, and Cardinal Onaiyekan for their presence and prayers. Amaechi pledged to continue supporting the church and the needy, saying, “If the church needs anything, tell me, and I will do it if it’s within my power.”
The event witnessed the presentation of gifts to the celebrant from the church and other groups and sodalities, as well as the cutting of a birthday cake.
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