The Proprietor of Augustine University Ilara-Epe, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins marked 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood and 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.

To celebrate the anniversaries, a thanksgiving Mass held on Saturday, 16th September, 2023 at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos State with his class mates in year 2008, Very Rev. Msgr. Edmond Akpala, Very Rev. Msgr. Jerome Oduntan, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Akintolu, and Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Ania as co-celebrants.

Most Rev. (Dr.) Martins was joined by church members, families, friends and well-wishers to celebrate the milestone anniversaries, extending their gratitude for his visionary leadership and compassionate shepherding as they wish him more of God’s grace and strength to shepherd the flock of God.

Born with a zeal for service and a heart imbued with love for God and humanity, Most Rev. (Dr.) Martins has risen to become a guiding force in the spiritual journey of countless souls. Born on 1st June, 1959, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Most Rev. (Dr.) Martins was ordained a priest on 18th September, 1983 at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos by the then Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Olubunmi Okogie.

He was appointed by the Late Pope John-Paul II as the first Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta on 24th October, 1997.

He was appointed and elevated by Pope Benedict XVI on 25th May, 2012 as the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, to succeed His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, having attained the mandatory age of retirement of 75 years. 

He was consecrated as the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos on 2nd August, 2012.

The Archbishop’s commitment to education and formation of future leaders has been
instrumental in shaping the future of the Church in Nigeria. He savvies the importance of investing in the intellectual and spiritual growth of young people, empowering them to be effective witnesses of the Gospel in the modern world.