The OCI Foundation has joined millions of Nigerians in congratulating the Most Rev Peter Ebelechukwu Okpalaeke, the Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Nigeria, on his elevation to the position of a Cardinal by Pope Francis.
The OCI Foundation was represented by Mr Ikegwuonu Osita Celestine of the Sweet Home Africa Humanitarian Foundation (SHAHF). He was accompanied by Chief C.Y. Obiesie Ezeani Obidigbo of Neni in Anambra State, Nigeria.
The unscheduled meeting with Cardinal Okpalaeke was on Saturday, September 3, 2022, as all participants alighted from their flight from Lagos to the Anambra Airport, Umueri. The Cardinal was on his way back from Rome, for the first time after his decoration by the Pope.
Okpalaeke was among the 21 Bishops elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis on August 27, 2022. He is the second Cardinal from Nigeria’s Anambra State, the first being Cardinal Francis Arinze.
The SHAHF is a partner NGO to the OCI Foundation International, and was founded by Rev Dr Austin Epunam, the National Champion of the OCI Foundation. SHAHF publishes the prestigious Sweet Home News-Magazine.