The Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, Lagos, celebrated its 157th anniversary on Sunday, bestowing its highest honor on a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, for his longstanding support of the Cathedral.
Presenting the award, tagged “Cathedral Parish Award,” to George, the chairman of the 2024 Feast of Dedication Sub-committee, Mr. Doyin Ogun, highlighted George’s significant contributions to the Cathedral over the years. He mentioned George’s generous donations towards the building of the Cathedral House, the purchase of the Cathedral Pipe Organ, as well as his contributions of desktop computers to start the Internet Centre of the church in 2002, and two big chandeliers to the Cathedral Auditorium, among other acts of support.
Speaking after receiving the award, Chief George expressed his gratitude for the recognition by the church and pledged to continue his efforts that led to the highest honor from the Cathedral Church.
The PDP chieftain noted that receiving multiple awards in the month of May for his good deeds made him reflect on his service. He thanked God for his journey in life, acknowledging the highs and lows of his experiences in politics.
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“Just this month of May, I have gotten four letters and I kept thinking, it’s not my birthday month. 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’s time to retire from active service. 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,” George said.
“I have been at the highest mountain, staying and discussing with the President in his bedroom. And at the same time, the 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, I am being celebrated in the church. And they keep telling me, just keep doing what you are doing. Make those comments you keep on making. And so, it’s 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,” he added.