Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, on Sunday, paid glowing tributes to the founder of the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), Prof. Obiora Ike, describing him as a “Champion of service and epitome of true character.”

Mbah described Ike as a rare gift to humanity, whose life has been devoted to uplifting society through selfless service, education, youth empowerment and job creation.

He spoke at a reception organised in honour of the cleric at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, to mark his 70th birthday, 45 years of priesthood, and 40 years of the establishment of CIDJAP.

The governor commended the celebrant’s longstanding commitment to developing human capacity, noting that his work through the CIDJAP and other platforms had positively impacted countless lives across generations.

“You have a man always talking about others without reference to himself. We thank and commend the Church for making him available to share his insight. You are indeed Enugu’s gift to humanity,” Mbah said.

Highlighting the significance of the occasion, the governor described it as a triple celebration, noting that the priest’s life exemplified a rare blend of wisdom, faith, character and action.

Mbah also used the occasion to unveil selected books authored by the celebrant, as well as publications written in his honour, expressing confidence that the global community would continue to benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience.

He urged individuals, especially younger generations, to emulate Ike’s values of integrity, sacrifice, and service to humanity.

“His life challenges us not only to dream, but to act. Faith must be matched with action. Even when the sea appears empty, we must keep fishing,” the governor added.

In his homily earlier, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Ernest Obodo, lauded Ike’s immense contributions to the growth of the Church, particularly in the training of priests and the execution of key development projects.

He described the celebrant as a model of humility and dedication to God’s service.

Responding, Monsignor Ike expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for gracing the Thanksgiving Mass and for his administration’s strides in transforming Enugu State.

He commended the governor for leading by example and pointed to ongoing infrastructural and developmental transformation as evidence of purposeful leadership.