Jonathan, Dickson Eulogise ex-Pilgrim Commission Boss Opara at 50

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan; Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, and the Anglican Primate of Nigeria, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, on Sunday graced the 50th birthday celebration of the former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Dr.  Kennedy Opara, in Nguru, Aboh-Mbaise, Imo State

The leaders, who described Opara as a 'detribalised' Nigerian with unique qualities, commended his dedication, competence and display of character during his service to the country.

According to them, these qualities gave him (Opara) the unique opportunity to serve four presidents of the country as a public servant, a feat they said was not common in the country.

The event also coincided with the dedication of the cleric's twin children, David and Daniel, as well  as the 70th birthday of his mother at St Mary's Catholic Church.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State governor, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, stated that other notable personalities at the event included wife of the former president, Dame Patience Jonathan; former Senate President, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim; the Imo State Governor, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Plasin Njoku, and the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Monday Obolo-Bobou.

Speaking at the tripartite service, Jonathan eulogised Opara as a unifying force that brought both Muslims and Christians together when he served as the executive-secretary of the Pilgrims Commission.

 

He acknowledged his pivotal contributions to the passage of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission Bill into the current Pilgrims Act of 2007.

The former president enjoined Nigerian youths to emulate the humane character of the Opara.

In his remarks, Dickson described the former NCPC chief scribe as a humble, selfless and dedicated servant of God who has served humanity and God meritoriously.

According to the governor, Opara, by dint of impeccable conduct and selfless service to the country, made his family, the Christian community, Imo State and the country proud.

He congratulated the celebrant's mother on her 70th birthday and prayed God to continually blessing the Opara family, particularly the twin children.

According to him, "We are all here to pay our respect to our good friend and brother. This is a tripartite service because it is his golden jubilee. It is also a day his twin children are presented to the Lord and his mother's 70th birthday.

"So on behalf of the government and good people of Bayelsa State, I heartily felicitate with the John Kennedy Opara family. John Kennedy is a good man. That's why we are here in this great number. I have always known him as a very honest, loyal and dedicated man, and above all, as a humble servant of God.

"He has made his family, Imo State, the Christian community and our country proud. It is worth mentioning particularly at this trying time of our history as a country that our faith needs fearless and dedicated men like John Kennedy."

On his part, the Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Okoh, described Opara as a highly resourceful and diligent young man, who cherishes and maintains friendship.