Anthony Obikwelu @gineertony

Pope Francis has sworn in Peter Okpaleke, Catholic bishop of Ekwulobia, Anambra state, as a cardinal.

The swearing in took place on Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

The college of cardinals is a body of senior priests who support the pope in overseeing the affairs of the church, and they also vote during papal elections.

Okpaleke who is among the 20 new cardinals of the church is one of two African bishops and the only Nigerian sworn in.

The new cardinals are an addition to the college of cardinals which has now grown from 208 to 229.

Prior to being appointed as cardinal, TheCable had reported how Okpaleke resigned as bishop from the Ahiara diocese in Imo state after being rejected because he was not an indigene.

Opaleke is the fifth cardinal from Nigeria — others are Dominic Ekandem (now late), John Onaiyekan, Anthony Okogie and Francis Arinze.

ACQUIRING experience WHILE SERVING THE NATION IS AN AWESOME ADVENTURE IN THE TELLTALE HISTORY OF YOUTH SERVICE IN NIGERIA.

There wass this woman that usually gave me plantain during my NYSC in Kajola, Odigbo/Ore Local Government, Ondo State. 2019.
Her son was also serving in KEBBI.

Each time am returning from my PPA ( EL-SHADAI GROUP OF SCHOOL) her grounddaughter will shout " Mummy Coper Mich ti mbo". She will ask me to wait, cut plantain, Pupuru ( ikale food) and give me.

She would say "each time I see you, I see my son and prays for his safety as well yours". I would tell her that her son will return safely ,I just spoke with her and her grounddaughter.
Wow! I'm definitely going to reciprocate her kindness towards me. On some rough days, the plantain and pupuru saved me from hunger
It's good to be good.