Adebayo Adenrele
A former chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekiti State Branch, Dr Pius Ade-Ojo has been decorated as Papal Knight in the order of Saint Sylvester, by the head of Catholic Church, Pope Francis.
A Papal Knight, which is a distinguished award of chivalry by Pope Francis, is saddled with the responsibilities of continuing serving the Church and their communities, upholding the values of faith, charity, and service.
With this title, Dr Ade-ojo will have the honour to wear distinctive insignia and regalia, participate in special ceremonies and events with special recognition within the Catholic Church and wider society.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the investiture in Ado-Ekiti, Ade-ojo described the award as a call to service, by making sure there is no dearth of responsibilities within the church activities.
While thanking his family and friends for the support, he pledged to use the title for the progress and development of humankind.
“This is the day the Lord has made, I can not but give honour to God for making this possible.
“For whom is given, much is expected. I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity to be decorated as a Papal Knight.
“This is a call to service, it’s not just a title and I want to appreciate my family members for their support all the time”.
In his sermon, Pope Francis, represented by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev Felix Ajakaye urged Ade-ojo to see the honour as a call to service.
He also urged the congregation not to relent in their prayers for the development of the country.
Ade-ojo is among other 36 individuals honoured with the awards in orders of chivalry by the Pope, while the program was attended by dignitaries in all works of life.
