Destiny C'River Project Celebrates Anthony Ani at 90, Hails Lifetime of National Service

 CALABAR – The Convener of the Destiny Cross River Covenant Project, the Territorial Archbishop of Calabar, Archbishop Josef Bassey, has congratulated elder statesman and former Minister of Finance, Chief Anthony Ani, CON, on his 90th birthday, describing his life as a testament to integrity, discipline and selfless service to Nigeria.

The commendation was contained in a statement signed by Archbishop Bassey and made available to journalists in Calabar.

According to the statement, the attainment of 90 years by Chief Ani offers Nigerians an opportunity to celebrate a public servant whose contributions to economic governance and national development continue to inspire generations.

Archbishop Bassey noted that Chief Ani distinguished himself in both the private and public sectors before answering the call to national service. He served as President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chairman of KPMG Nigeria, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and later Minister of Finance, where he contributed significantly to the country's fiscal management and economic policy.

He described the nonagenarian as one of Cross River State's finest ambassadors, whose career was marked by competence, humility and an unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project.

"Chief Anthony Ani belongs to a generation of leaders who demonstrated that public office is a platform for service and not self-interest. His enduring legacy of discipline, patriotism and sacrifice remains worthy of emulation," the statement said.

Archbishop Bassey recalled that in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Cross River State and the nation, Chief Ani was honoured at last year's Destiny Cross River Awards with the Destiny Grand Patriarch Award, one of the project's highest honours.

He prayed for continued good health, strength and divine grace for the elder statesman, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience would continue to guide younger generations of leaders.

The statement urged Nigerians to celebrate elder statesmen whose decades of principled service have contributed to building stronger institutions and advancing national development.