Buhari, others hail Kaigama’s installation as Abuja Catholic Archbishop

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a goodwill message to Rev. Ignatius Kaigama on his installation today as the third Catholic Archbishop of Abuja. Other personalities that felicitated with the cleric include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, as well as Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Solomon Lalong of Plateau and Darius Ishaku of Taraba.

They described him as a man of noble character and outstanding humility who played tremendous role in ensuring peace and harmony in the country. Buhari rejoiced with the archbishop and wished him well in his new spiritual assignment.In the letter he personally signed, Bugari stated, “I rejoice with you on your appointment as the Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja by the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis.

“With your pedigree as a priest and administrator, I have no doubt that you will make an impressive success of your new office.”
Kaigama succeeds John Cardinal Onaiyekan, who has since retired after turning 75.Speaking at the installation yesterday in Abuja, Osinbajo commended his appointment and prayed that the entire Catholic community and the nation at large experience peace all through his tenure.He also prayed God give to give the cleric wisdom and good health to enable him lead the church on the right path.

Lalong noted that Kaigama, who until his appointment was the Catholic Bishop of Jos, laid the foundation for peace in the state.
He said, “I will lose a spiritual guardian. He laid the foundation of peace in Plateau State and I pray God to give him the grace to lead the flock.”

Governor Ishaku of Taraba, where Kaigama was born, observed that the new archbishop was wearing two shoes, including the shoe of peace and that of unity, and asked God to guide him to do the work had been called to do. Also, Apostolic Nuncio, who is the Pope’s representative in Nigeria, Rev. Anothonio Fillipazzi, said there was no question of ethnicity in consideration of Kaigama as the Archbishop of Abuja, adding that “the Catholic Church is one.”