Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has renamed the First East Circular Road in Benin City, the State capital after the late first Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Patrick Ebosele Ekpu.
The governor disclosed this while reading his tribute in honour of the late Catholic Archbishop, during the funeral mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral, in Benin City.
Obaseki described the late Ebosele Ekpu as an exemplary priest who made indelible contributions to the growth of the Catholic Church, setting up educational institutions across the State.
He said, “As a government, we believe we should immortalize Archbishop Ekpu. I have decided that the First East Circular Road, in Benin City, will henceforth be known as Archbishop Ebosele Ekpu Road.
“I celebrate the legacies of the Emeritus archbishop who made indelible contributions in growing the catholic faith and promoting education which positively impacted our society. He was the archbishop we grew up to know. His impact transcended the Church as he was loved and respected by those who had contact with him, as he worked to set up educational institutions in Edo State.
“He provided the template to run the best schools and set the standard for others to follow. He was compassionate and kind. He contributed to the growth of the Catholic faith and was a role model for others. In the schools he built, young men and women gained valuable education, which enabled them to contribute positively to the development of society.
“I celebrate the impactful service to humanity and to God and the work he did for Christ in Edo State where he promoted peace and societal cohesion. He remains a great ambassador of the catholic faith, Edo State and Nigeria. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to education, which endeared him to the hearts of many. I thank God for his life.”
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Issele-uku Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Micheal Elue thanked God for the life that Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu lived during his 92 years on earth, propagating and working in the vineyard of God Almighty.
The Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev Augustine Akubeze noted, “I want to thank the governor very much for all he is doing for the Christian faith. I thank him for deeming it wise to name a street after our patriarch. He has been very kind to the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin.”
