Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has paid tribute to the late Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, describing his life as one marked by faith, sacrifice and dedicated service to humanity.
Obi, in a post on Thursday, said he travelled to Benin City to attend the Vigil Mass for the repose of the soul of the late Archbishop at the Holy Cross Catholic Cathedral.
He also attended the Funeral Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City, where family members, Catholic faithful and well-wishers gathered to honour the late cleric.
Reflecting on Archbishop Akubeze’s legacy, the former Anambra Governor, said the late Catholic Archbishop devoted himself sincerely to the service of God and humanity and showed a deep commitment to building a better society and improving the lives of the people he served.
“We celebrate the life of service of our Lord Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, his commitment to the Church, his pastoral leadership, and his strong dedication to the people,” Obi stated.
According to him, the late Archbishop’s life provides an enduring example of what genuine service should represent, particularly through faith, compassion and sacrifice.
“His life reminds us that true service is rooted in faith, compassion, sacrifice, and a genuine desire to make society better,” he added.
Obi prayed that the late Archbishop’s legacy of faith and service would continue to inspire those he left behind, while asking God to grant him eternal rest.
“May his life of faith and service continue to inspire us, and may the good Lord grant him eternal rest in perfect peace. Amen,” he said.
Archbishop Akubeze’s funeral rites have brought together members of the Catholic community and other Nigerians to celebrate the life and legacy of a cleric remembered for his pastoral leadership and commitment to the people.