Today, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu joined the congregation at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos Island to honor His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie.
According to Sanwo-Olu, and others gathered to celebrate a rare triple milestone: Okogie’s 90th birthday, his 60th priestly ordination anniversary and his 55th episcopal ordination anniversary.
Cardinal Okogie’s life of faith, service, and leadership, as the Governor put it, has inspired generations and left a lasting impact on Lagos and beyond.
“Alongside family, friends, and well-wishers, I was happy to celebrate his remarkable legacy and wish him continued good health, peace and God’s abundant blessings.
Happy Triple Jubilee, Your Eminence.”
Born on 16 June, 1936, Okogie was ordained a priest on 11 December, 1966 at the age of 30.
Five years later, in 1971, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Oyo and the Titular Bishop of Mascula at the age of 34. On 19 September, 1972, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos at the age of 36.
On 13, April, 1973, he was appointed the Archbishop of Lagos at the age of 36.
According to Ugochukwu Ugwoke, on October 21, 2003, he was named a Cardinal and “appointed the Cardinal-Priest of Beata Vergine Maria del Monte Carmelo a Mostacciano (Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel in Mostacciano.”
He served as the Archbishop of Lagos until his retirement in 2012, after decades of devoted episcopal ministry.