The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos is preparing a historic celebration to honor His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, Emeritus Archbishop of Lagos, as he marks three landmark anniversaries that underscore a lifetime of dedicated service to God, the Church, and humanity. The celebrations will commemorate Cardinal Okogie’s 90th birthday on June 16, 2026; his 60th priestly ordination anniversary on December 4, 2026; and his 55th episcopal ordination anniversary on August 29, 2026.
To mark these extraordinary milestones, the Archdiocese has consolidated the anniversaries into a grand thanksgiving celebration scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2026, coinciding with the Cardinal’s 90th birthday. The celebration will begin with a solemn thanksgiving mass at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, at 10:00 a.m., bringing together Bishops, priests, religious, lay faithful, government officials, traditional rulers, captains of industry, friends, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond. A reception will immediately follow at The Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In keeping with the Cardinal’s lifelong commitment to charity and care for the vulnerable, a major humanitarian outreach has been incorporated into the celebration. Chairman of the All-purpose Committee, Rt. Hon. Chev. Peter Nwanze, described the forthcoming celebration as a well-deserved tribute to an iconic Church leader whose life and ministry have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the Nigerian nation. According to him, Cardinal Okogie remains a symbol of courage, integrity, and unwavering faith, having spent decades championing justice, defending human dignity, and providing exemplary leadership during some of the nation’s most challenging periods.
For generations of Catholics and Nigerians alike, Cardinal Okogie has stood as a moral compass and a prophetic voice, inspiring countless people through his pastoral zeal, commitment to truth, and steadfast service to the common good.
