By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Edo State, has paid a condolence visit to the Benin City Archdiocese of the Catholic Church over the death of Most Rev. Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, Archbishop Emeritus just as they extolled his life style while on earth.
The Edo State CAN Chairman, Apostle-General Dr. Irekpono Omoike who led other executive members of the association on the visit, said the visit imperative because Most Rev Patrick Ebosele Ekpu was the foremost, pioneer and foundation Chairman of CAN, Edo State, and the South South Zone.
Recall that Most Rev. Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, Emeritus Archbishop of Benin City Archdiocese, died on on August 6, 2024 at the age of 92.
He described the late Archbishop Emeritus as one whose character and exemplary leadership qualities impacted lives.
In his words, “Although we come at this time with a great sense of loss, we must give glory to God for the exemplary leadership and fruitful life that the late Archbishop lived. We give thanks and praises to the Almighty God for the Archbishop’s long life; his extraordinary accomplishments; his excellent services to humanity, the church in Edo State, the South-South Zone, Nigeria, and the world at large.
“He has definitely left giant strides in the sands of time. He remains the longest serving chairman of CAN to date. We remember his period of service (as Chairman of CAN and as Catholic Archbishop) as decades of peace, unity, and progress in the body of Christ throughout the state, the south-south zone and the nation.
“He was an exemplary father to all. He was one of the nation’s most respected reverend fathers, leaders, and archbishops. He was the pioneer indeginous Bishop and Archbishop of Benin City. It is a privilege to build on the great foundations he laid in CAN.
Also speaking, the former secretary of CAN Edo State, Sir Humphrey Best Iriabe described the late Archbishop Emeritus as a legend who did the work of evangelism with all sense of humility and passion.
In his response, the Archbishop of Benin City Archdiocese, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, thanked CAN for identifying with the Catholic Church in their time of grief. “The demise of Archbishop Emeritus Ekpu did not just affect only Benin City Archdiocese, he created all the Archdiocese in Edo.
“So, he will be greatly missed by the Catholic faith. And not just them, Christians in general will miss him”.
He sought for the prayers of the Christian bodies as they go into preparations for the burial activities for the late Archbishop.