Rev. Fr. Anthony Azuwike has celebrated 25 years of dedicated service to God and humanity with a thanksgiving Mass and the unveiling of a new book offering practical solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
The Silver Jubilee celebration, held in Abuja, attracted His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, bishops, priests, religious, family members and well-wishers, who gathered to honour Azuwike’s pastoral journey and contributions to faith, scholarship and national development.
Speaking at the event, Azuwike described the Silver Jubilee as a significant milestone in his vocation, saying the priesthood had been a deeply fulfilling calling despite the challenges encountered over the years.
He urged Nigerians to identify, develop and deploy their God-given talents for the benefit of society, stressing that every citizen has a role to play in nation-building.
“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 Nigeria’s contemporary challenges and proposes practical recommendations for achieving national unity and sustainable development.
Reflecting on his 25 years in the priesthood, Azuwike expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness, noting that the joys and fulfilment of ministry had far outweighed its difficulties.
According to him, the publication is a compilation of philosophical reflections and practical ideas aimed at helping Nigeria overcome its socio-political challenges and build a better future.
“That book contains suggestions that will make Nigeria work,” he said.
Born on January 3, 1976, and ordained a Catholic priest on September 1, 2001, Azuwike described the twin celebration as the fulfilment of God’s purpose for his life.
Azuwike, a member of the Faculty of Private and Property Law at Veritas University, Abuja, reaffirmed his commitment to serving God, mentoring young people and contributing to national development through faith, education and scholarship.
Congratulating the celebrant, Cardinal Onaiyekan said the Catholic Church rejoiced with Azuwike on attaining his Silver Jubilee, describing his 25 years in the priesthood as one of faithful and selfless service to God and humanity.
He reiterated the need for individuals to identify and utilise their talents for the common good.
“Every human being has special talents.
The important thing is to discover our talents, develop them and use them for the community,” he said.
The Parish Priest of the Church of the Assumption, Rev. Fr. Stephen Omale, described the anniversary as a remarkable milestone and commended Azuwike for his dedication to the priestly vocation.
Omale praised him as a joyful and committed priest and encouraged him to remain steadfast in his ministry.
“We celebrate with him. He is a happy priest. I encourage him to keep doing what he is doing. In the life of a priest, a Silver Jubilee is an indication of faithful service, progress and success in the ministry,” he said.
Also speaking, Rev. Sr. Justina Nnajiofor of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena described Azuwike as a compassionate priest whose ministry has positively impacted many lives, particularly young people.
She commended his commitment to mentoring the youth and serving humanity, adding that his newly unveiled book contains practical ideas capable of advancing Nigeria’s development.
“He is a friend and has been good to us and to many others.
He is touching many lives, especially those of young people,” she said.
