Abuja — Vatican-based Cardinal Francis Arinze and Archbishop John Onaiyekan of Abuja have implored Nigerians to pray fervently to God to keep the nation together as it marked the 48th independence anniversary.

Speaking in Lagos, Arinze expressed thanks to God for keeping the nation united since its independence from Britain on October 1, 1960. He commended the desire of Nigerians to ensure that unity and patriotic dispositions reigned supreme in the country over the years.

The prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments called for more understanding among the people, so that those in positions of authority would be able to initiate better policies for them.

Archbishop Onaiyekan called for total reconciliation among Nigerians as a way of moving the nation forward.

Meanwhile, Monsignor Jude Thaddeus Okolo, the newly appointed apostolic nuncio to Chad and the Central African Republic was consecrated a bishop on Saturday, at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi, Anambra State.

Cardinal Arinze was the chief celebrant at the ceremony which made Bishop Okolo the first Nigerian and third African to be appointed a nuncio. The appointment coincides with the silver jubilee of his priesthood.

In an apostolic letter confirming his appointment, Pope Benedict XVI described him as a beloved son of the church. "You are certainly well grounded academically, having been promoted and learned in judicial matters. You have produced numerous documents and have given testimonies of being endowed with many virtues in the course of your activity in the service of the Catholic Church."