The Board of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Nigeria’s biggest copyright collective management organization, at its meeting in Lagos on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, resolved to send a profound congratulatory message to His Grace, the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr) Peter Okpaleke who was one of the 21 Bishops across the world recently appointed Cardinals by His Holiness, Pope Francis.
Most Rev. (Dr) Peter Okpaleke
Bishop Okpaleke will formally receive the red Cardinal’s hat from Pope Francis in a consistory ceremony at the Vatican on Aug. 27. He is Nigeria’s 4th Cardinal
It will be recalled that it was Bishop Okpaleke, the distinguished Cardinal appointee, who officiated at the special Requiem Mass that preceded the burial of the late copyright activist and cherished Director of COSON, Hon. John Ndidika Ewelukwa Udegbunam on September 17, 2021 in his hometown, Ora-Eri in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The expansive St Mary’s Catholic Church in Ora-Eri could not contain the surging crowd that showed up for the requiem mass officiated by His Grace who was supported by reverend fathers that came from different dioceses across the country. There were priests and priests and priests everywhere and rev. sisters and rev brothers, so much so, that there was no place in the large pew of the beautiful church to accommodate them. Even though it was a very solemn and somber event, His Grace made all COSON members present and following on live stream, proud.
In his sermon, Bishop Okpaleke who had begun the day of the funeral by visiting the country home of Udegbunam and interacting with his family and members of the creative industry there, compared the service to the Catholic Church of Udegbunam to his unwavering dedication till his death to Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) where he was a staunch Board member and concluded that the linkage is clear. He said that one of the problems plaguing the nation is that there are many who want to reap without sowing and that COSON’s full engagement to curb the menace of copyright infringement in Nigeria is commendable and consistent with biblical teachings. Bishop Okpaleke applauded the strong presence of the leadership and members of COSON at the funeral.
Said COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, of the decision of the Board, “The decision was unanimous. Bishop Okpaleke left such deep impression on the significant COSON contingent that went to Ora-Eri.
We found him very knowledgeable, very articulate and yet, very humble. We were inspired by his carriage. We consider him our friend and rejoice with all Catholics and indeed, all Christendom across Nigeria on the honour done to our nation by Pope Francis. When we heard about the elevation of this unique Nigerian, we were all filled with joy”.
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