In celebration of its 157th anniversary, the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, on Sunday, bestowed its highest honour on a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George.
Presenting the award – ‘Cathedral Parish Award’ – on George, the chairman of the 2024 Feast of Dedication Sub-committee, Mr Doyin Ogun, said the former Military Governor of old Ondo State (1987 – 1990), has been supporting the Cathedral for years.
According to him, Bode George donated handsomely towards the purchase of the Cathedral Pipe Organ, donated the first set of desktop computers to start the Internet Centre of the church in 2002, donated handsomely towards the building of the Cathedral House and donated two big chandeliers to the Cathedral auditorium, among others.
Speaking after receiving the award, George said it is an honour for him to be recognised by the church. He promised to continue doing the good work that merited the highest honour of the Cathedral Church.
He said: “Just this month of May, I have gotten four letters and I kept thinking, it’s not my birthday month, but it is a calmness, that comparing the situation in the country, the rich, the poor, the common Nigerians and the rich Nigerians, and I said, I got a letter of award from Independent Newspaper, the Cathedral celebrating its 157th year of existence.
“So, this is the highest award in the cathedral. Then, Vanguard Newspaper is also giving me an award. And then the Committee of Patriots is also giving me an award.
“You know what I was thinking in my mind and praying, I said, I hope God is not giving me a sign that it is time to retire from active activities. So, that’s the interpretation because when you get to a zenith, where else do you go?
“I just keep thanking God. I have met the good, the bad and the ugly in this game. People that I would never have met. And I have experienced all sorts.
“I have been at the highest mountain, staying and discussing with President in his bedroom. And at the same time, convoluted conspirators, they sent me to the bottom of the valley, going to prison for doing nothing.
“So, why are you not grateful? They thought it was over. But you see, being celebrated in the church. And they kept telling me, just keep doing what you are doing. Make those comments you keep on making. And so, it is like a service to my creator.
“And there is a meeting, an emergency meeting in Oyo tomorrow morning. And I looked at those selected to come. And I said, I have to be there. For the good of our country. To tell the truth”.
