LAGOS/Nigeria: The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has honoured Pa Augustine Osuizigbo with the prestigious St. Thomas More Medal of Honour in recognition of his decades of unwavering commitment and dedicated service to the growth and mission of the Church.
The award was presented by the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, during a solemn ceremony celebrating exemplary parishioners whose lives reflect steadfast faith, integrity, and service. Speaking at the event, Archbishop Martins described Pa Osuizigbo as a worthy recipient whose quiet labour and devotion have made lasting impacts on the Church and his parish.
“This honour is in recognition of your outstanding contributions and dedicated service to the growth of the Archdiocese of Lagos,” the Archbishop stated. “I congratulate you and other awardees for the many ways you have continued to offer selfless services to your parishes and the archdiocese. May God continue to bless you.”
In a heartfelt response, Pa Osuizigbo said he was deeply humbled by the honour, attributing his service to God’s grace and the strength drawn from his faith community.
“I am happy and deeply humbled to receive this award of recognition from the Catholic Archdiocese,” he said. “I accept it with a grateful heart, fully aware that any good I may have done is by the grace of God and through the strength He provides.”
He added that the recognition was not his alone but belonged to everyone who had stood by him over the years, including his family, fellow parishioners, and his parish priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Agboola, who nominated him for the award.
“I especially appreciate our parish priest, Rev. Fr. Agboola, for nominating me. I also thank the faithful of SS Timothy and Titus Catholic Church, Isheri-Osun, for their support and encouragement,” he said.
Pa Osuizigbo also used the occasion to pray for all Christians to remain true instruments of God’s love and peace in the world, adding that the award had inspired him to continue serving the Church with greater faith and dedication.
A total of 135 parishioners across the archdiocese were honoured in this second edition of the St. Thomas More Awards, which recognises lay Catholics who have demonstrated exceptional integrity, service, and commitment in their parishes.
Named after Sir Thomas More—the revered English humanist, lawyer, statesman and Catholic martyr—the medal is widely acknowledged for celebrating individuals whose lives mirror More’s legacy of intellectual depth, moral courage, and unwavering faith.
The ceremony underscored the Archdiocese’s ongoing efforts to uplift those who model Christian virtues in everyday life, encouraging the faithful to deepen their commitment to God and community through consistent service and example.
