Buhari Felicitates With Ignatius Kaigama On His New Appointment

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a congratulatory message to the new Catholic Archbishop of the Abuja Archdiocese , Ignatius Kaigama .

Mr Kaigama is replacing Mr John Onaiyekan after the cardinal reached 75 years in January. The mandatory retirement age for bishops in the Catholic church is 75.

“ As the immediate past President of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria , a former Archbishop of Jos, former President of the Episcopal Conference of West African Catholic Bishops and former Chairman of the Plateau State Inter – religious Committee for Peace , the President recognises the roles Archbishop Kaigama had played in promoting peace, inter – faith dialogue and mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims in the country.

“ As His Grace, Archbishop Kaigama begins a new phase of his ministry , the President joins all members of the Catholic Church across Nigeria in praying for a successful and memorable tenure in office that will see the Church accomplish great things for the unity and prosperity of the nation, while complementing government ’s efforts at human and material development, ” the Presidency said on Sunday .

Buhari also congratulated Cardinal Onaiyekan on his retirement , recalling “his dedicated service to the Catholic Church , and invaluable contributions to the spiritual life of Christians under his pastoral care. ”

Mr Kaigama a former President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, was until his recent appointment, the archbishop of Jos, a position he has occupied for the past 19 years.

Mr Onaiyekan was ordained Catholic Bishop of Abuja in 1994, four years after he became Coadjutor of the diocese in 1990.