Abuja: 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.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Primate expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life, saying he felt energized rather than burdened by the milestone. “The Lord has always been faithful to us. I feel energized. Our prayer is that God will continue to strengthen us, keep us healthy, and sustain us in His service,” he said. The cleric emphasized that advancing in age should be accompanied by greater wisdom and a deeper commitment to serving God, the Church, and humanity.
Ndukuba stressed that leadership should never be seen as an opportunity for personal glory but as a platform for sacrificial service. He noted that Jesus
Christ remains the perfect example of leadership, stating that true greatness is demonstrated through humility. Recalling the words of the late Kenyan bishop, Festo Kivengere, he likened a fruitful life to a mango tree that bends under the weight of its fruit, emphasizing humility as key.
The Primate described his position as a privilege bestowed on him by God’s grace rather than personal achievement or merit, stating, “I am not the best, but for God to choose me is purely by His grace. I have not earned it.” 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 who commended Ndukuba for his contributions to the Anglican Communion and national development through faith-based leadership.