Cardinal John Onaiyekan has reflected on his decades of service in the Catholic Church, disclosing that he was ordained a Catholic priest at the age of 25 in 1969.
The 82-year-old cleric made the disclosure during an interview with SYMFONI TV on Friday, October 9, 2026, where he discussed his journey in the priesthood and issues affecting the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
Speaking during the interview, Onaiyekan said, “I’m 82 years old. I was ordained a priest at the age of 25 in 1969.”
His remarks highlighted a religious journey spanning more than five decades, during which he has served in various capacities within the Catholic Church and participated in discussions on national development, governance, peace and interfaith relations.
Onaiyekan served as the Archbishop of Abuja from 1994 to 2019. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012 in recognition of his service to the Church.
Throughout his ministry, the cardinal has been actively involved in promoting dialogue among religious groups and advocating peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths.
He has also contributed to public discussions on governance, social justice, economic challenges and the responsibility of religious institutions to promote accountability and ethical leadership.
His extensive experience in the priesthood has made him a prominent voice on religious and national issues, particularly concerning peace building responsible leadership and the role of faith in society.
