Governor Chukwuma Soludo has re-assured of increased partnership between his administration and the church as well as other critical stakeholders, to drive the vision of a liveable and prosperous Anambra.

Governor Soludo was speaking during a holy mass held at St Joseph Cathedral, Ekwulobia, to receive Peter Ebere Okpalaeke who was recently created a Cardinal of the Catholic Church by Pope Francis in Rome.

Governor Soludo observed that the creation of the Nigerian- Cardinal should enthrone fresh ideas and a new phase in Nigeria, South East and Anambra State in particular noting that there is something spiritual about the event, coming at an unusual time.

The Governor drew the attention of the congregation to the challenges encountered by Cardinal Okpalaeke in the past, pointing out that in all, God’s grace was sufficiently evident in his affairs and thanked God for his elevation.

On his part, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugojior congratulated Cardinal Okpalaeke on behalf of all Catholic Bishops and asked him to always imbibe and portray the spirit of long-suffering in his new elevation in God’s vineyard and asked God to fulfill his plans for the State.

Responding, Cardinal Okpalaeke noted that the height he has attained was made possible by God, expressing confidence that He will see him through.

While emphasizing that he remains the second substantive Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, the Cardinal pointed out that the Diocese remains very dear to him and thanked God that it is still alive.

Cardinal Peter Okpaleke who is among the twenty new cardinals of the church is one of the two African bishops and the only Nigerian sworn in. With the new cardinals, the total number of College of Cardinals has grown from two hundred and eight to two hundred and twenty-nine.