Prince Julius Adeluyi-Adelusi, a former minister of health, has been honoured with the Papal Knighthood of the Pontificate of St. Gregory the Great (KSSG), by the Ekitt Catholic Diocese, Ado Ekiti, at the weekend. The award comes in recognition of his immense contributions and dedication to Catholic Church development over the years.
The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Bishop Felix Femi Ajakaiye, conferred the honour on Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi, on behalf of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, at the St Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Ado Ekiti on Friday.
Sequel to the conferment of the award, pharmacists and pharmacy associations have sent their congratulatory messages to the Pharmacy Icon on this notable accomplishment.
First among the goodwill wishes was that of the immediate Past Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, and wife, and Lady Joan, as they described the honour as well deserved for Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi, who demonstrated commitment in the church activities from his childhood days in Ado-Ekiti and in Lagos as an adult. “In Lagos, he has been involved in choir practice and organ playing at the St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja. Recently, he authored a book on the church. He has been involved in the top leadership of the church for decades. He merits the highest honour to be given by the Pope.”
The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) also joined in celebrating an extraordinary milestone in the illustrious life of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, of the conferment of the award. In a goodwill message jointly signed by the President, Prof. Lere Baale and the Secretary, Pharm. Lekan Asuni, they acknowledged the recognition as a testament to his lifelong dedication to the principles of faith, service, humanity and a reflection of his profound impact on the church, society, and the world.
As a devout Catholic, they admitted that Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi has shown unwavering commitment to the church, marked by a profound sense of humility and service, in addition to his virtues of charity, justice, and moral courage that define the Pontificate of St. Gregory the Great.
“Beyond the church, Prince has left indelible marks in various spheres of life – pharmacy, law, business, public service, and philanthropy.
“As a true patriot and a global citizen, Prince has been a voice of reason, a harbinger of progress, and a shining example of what it means to lead a life dedicated to the betterment of others. He has fostered unity, development, and hope through his participation in numerous local and international causes,” NAPharm leadership stated.
The Papal Knighthood of the Pontificate of St. Gregory the Great is among the highest honours bestowed by the Catholic Church, reserved for individuals who have shown exceptional service to the church and society, they noted that Prince is a worthy recipient, being a shining example of faith in action.
