Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and dignitaries celebrate Monsignor Obiora Ike at 70, highlighting his decades of service, priesthood, and impact on society.
Enugu, Nigeria — Peter Mbah, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, and prominent dignitaries on Sunday celebrated Obiora Ike on his 70th birthday and 45 years of priesthood.
The event also commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), founded by Ike, marking a triple celebration of his life, ministry, and institutional impact.
Held at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, the ceremony drew government officials, Catholic faithful, members of the international community, and well-wishers.
The celebration began with a Holy Mass officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Callistus Onaga.
Speaking at the reception, Mbah described the occasion as a reflection of Ike’s enduring legacy, spanning 70 years of life, 45 years in priesthood, and four decades of social impact through CIDJAP.
He noted that Ike’s life embodies service, faith, and action, emphasizing that his contributions across religion, academia, and social advocacy have shaped generations.
“His life challenges us not only to dream, but to act. Faith must be matched with action,” Mbah said, describing Ike as a champion of character and a symbol of purposeful leadership.
Also speaking, Lawrence Agubuzu, Chairman of the occasion and South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, said the honour was well deserved, noting that the week-long celebration highlighted Ike’s far-reaching impact.
In his homily, Auxiliary Bishop Ernest Obodo urged Christians to embrace compassion and service, describing Ike’s priesthood as a reflection of God’s grace in action.
Similarly, the Diocese’s Vicar for Priests, Victor Eze, praised Ike’s deep faith, intellectual depth, and commitment to human dignity, noting that his founding of CIDJAP remains a defining contribution to justice and development.
In his response, Ike expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing himself as humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of goodwill.
Reflecting on his journey, he recalled his early days as an altar boy at the cathedral and the influence of past bishops on his vocation.
“We are not here to celebrate an individual, but to celebrate God and the good He enables us to do,” he said, urging unity, service, and commitment to faith.
The event marked the climax of a week-long celebration honouring Ike’s life, priesthood, and lasting contributions to the Church and society.
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