Silver jubilee
Rev. Fr. Anthony Azuwike has celebrated his 25 years of dedicated service to God and humanity with a thanksgiving Mass and the unveiling of a book on national development.
The Silver Jubilee celebration, attended by His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, bishops, priests, religious, family members and well-wishers, highlighted Azuwike’s pastoral journey and contributions to national discourse through faith, scholarship and community service.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, Azuwike described the Silver Jubilee as a significant milestone in his vocation, saying the priesthood had been a fulfilling journey in spite of challenges encountered over the years.
He urged Nigerians to discover, nurture and deploy their God-given talents for community development, emphasising that every individual had a role to play in nation-building and national progress.
“The important thing is to discover our talents, develop them and use them for the community,” he said.
A major highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of Azuwike’s 274-page book, A Nation in Search of Unity, which examines contemporary issues and offers recommendations for national development.
Reflecting on his 25 years in the priesthood, Azuwike expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness, saying the joys and successes of ministry had outweighed challenges encountered during service.
According to him, the publication is a compilation of philosophical reflections and practical thoughts on how Nigeria can overcome its challenges and achieve sustainable development for future generations.
“That book contains suggestions that will make Nigeria work,” he said.
Born on Jan. 3, 1976, and ordained a Catholic priest on Sept. 1, 2001, Azuike described the twin celebration as fulfilment of God’s purpose for his life.
Azuike, who is of the Faculty of Private and Property Law, Veritas University, Abuja, reaffirmed his commitment to serving God and mentoring young people.
He also pledged to continue contributing meaningfully to national development through faith, education and scholarship in the years ahead.
Congratulating him, Cardinal Onaiyekan said the Church rejoiced with Azuike on his Silver Jubilee, noting that his 25 years in the priesthood had been spent in dedicated service to God and humanity.
“Every human being has a special talents. The important thing is to discover our talents, develop them and use them for the community,” he said.
The Parish Priest of Church of the Assumption, Rev. Fr. Stephen Omale, congratulated Azuwike on attaining the Silver Jubilee, describing the anniversary as a remarkable achievement worthy of celebration.
Omale described Azuwike as a joyful and dedicated priest, urging him to remain steadfast in ministry, adding that reaching 25 years reflected success, progress and faithful service.
“We celebrate with him. He is a happy priest. I will encourage him, so, keep doing what you are doing.
“Fr. Anthony is a good priest, in the life of a priest, silver jubilee is an indication of success, progress and doing well in the ministry,” he said.
Rev. Sister Justina Nnajiofor of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena, described the celebrant as a compassionate priest who positively impacted many lives and had remained committed to mentoring young people and serving humanity.
“He is a friend and has been good to us and to many others. In fact, he is touching many lives, especially those of young people,” she said.
She added that the newly unveiled book contained practical ideas capable of advancing Nigeria’s development