) The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, on Saturday marked his 65th birthday with a thanksgiving service and the launch of a new book in Abuja.
Ndukuba used the occasion to urge Nigerian leaders to embrace humility, selfless service and unwavering commitment to humanity as essential virtues for national growth and development.
Speaking with journalists after the event, the Primate expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life, saying he felt energised rather than burdened by the milestone.
“The Lord has always been faithful to us. I feel energised.”Our prayer is that God will continue to strengthen us, keep us healthy and sustain us in His service,” he said.
The cleric said advancing in age should be accompanied by greater wisdom and a deeper commitment to serving God, the Church and humanity.
“I believe there is still much more to be done. Today, we dedicate ourselves afresh to God and pray for His enabling grace,” he said.
He stressed that leadership should never be seen as an opportunity for personal glory but as a platform for sacrificial service.
According to him, Jesus Christ remains the perfect example of leadership, noting that true greatness is demonstrated through humility.
Recalling the words of the late Kenyan bishop, Festo Kivengere, he said a fruitful life is characterised by humility, likening it to a mango tree that bends under the weight of its fruit.
“When you are filled with concern for the people and sustained by the grace of God, you will remain humble,” he said.
Ndukuba described his position as Primate as a privilege bestowed on him by God’s grace rather than personal achievement or merit.
“I am not the best, but for God to choose me is purely by His grace. I have not earned it,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration, held at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Gwarimpa, Abuja, attracted eminent personalities, including former governors, ministers and senior security officials from across the country.
The event featured prayers, thanksgiving and tributes from dignitaries, most of whom commended Ndukuba for his contributions to the Anglican Communion and national development through faith-based leadership.(NAN)
