Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has lauded the Nigerian Catholic priest, Reverend Father Vincent Atueyi Chinemelu, whose composition – ‘A Life Lived With Grace’ – has become the official song used in celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
Fr. Chinemelu, a native of Oraeri in Anambra State, had in January won the song for the Commonwealth competition, alongside lyricist, Lucy Kiely from Australia.
The winning song is being sung across the globe as beacons are being lit in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The reverend is a multi-instrumentalist, who plays the piano, flute, cello, trumpet, alto sax and guitar.
Soludo attributed the feat by the Rev Father to dedication and grace of God, adding that by that singular achievement, Fr Chinemelu has brought honour, not only to the Holy Catholic Church but to his Oraeri community, Anambra State Nigeria.
“Fr. Chinemelu has exported the Anambra spirit of exploits and enterprise abroad. He has lived up to our motto as the Light of the Nation. By this spectacular achievement, he has brought uncommon honour to our state and the country.
“He has proven to be a good ambassador of Anambra state by holding aloft our trademark flag of success and accomplishment, borne of discipline and dedication to our chosen cause.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Anambra State, I congratulate Rev Fr. Vincent Atueyi Chinemelu and wish him more glories ahead”, the governor remarked.