By Suzy Chukwuechedom l Anambra
The Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, marked his 73rd birthday anniversary with inmates at St. Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy, Onitsha Custodial Center of the Nigerian Correctional Service on Tuesday, October 20.
In his surmon which centres on, “Necessity of Giving Thanks,” the Archbishop urged the faithful to focus on their blessings through thanksgiving instead of counting their troubles.
His words: “Thanksgiving is a virtue that makes a man great before God. The more you give thanks, the more you’re blessed.”
He noted that God gives free air and abundant life, and that being in custody could be God saving one from death. He charged everyone to share their blessings with others as the best way to thank God.
The celebration was not just words! The Archbishop splashed the inmates with gifts – live cows, bags of rice, toiletries, clothing, detergents and more. He expressed joy that the number of inmates is reducing, indicating reduction in crime.
He called for prayers to realize the Federal Government’s dream of changing Nigerian Prison Service to Nigerian Correctional Service.
In his vote of thanks, the Chaplain of St. Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Batho Okpalaugo, revealed that for 20 years, Archbishop Okeke has made it a ritual to celebrate his birthdays with inmates, with gifts and encouragement. He thanked the Archbishop for establishing primary, secondary schools, Open University and skills acquisition centre in the Custodial Center.
In their goodwill messages, the Controller of Prisons in Anambra, Mrs Ezinne Onuoha, and the Officer in Charge of Onitsha Custodial Center, Mr. Emmanuel Dede, described Archbishop Okeke as a champion of societal transformation.
Also, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, in his good will message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, congratulated Archbishop Okeke.
He described the Arch- bishop as a shepherd of uncommon humility, wisdom and moral courage whose ministry has strengthened faith and nurtured hope.
He noted that through Church schools, health institutions and charitable outreach, the Archbishop has championed human dignity and extended compassion to the poor, sick and forgotten.
Soludo commended his 20-year tradition of marking birthdays with inmates, saying it reflects the Gospel imperative and affirms that no one is beyond redemption.
He prayed for good health, renewed strength and many more fruitful years for the Archbishop.
Engr. Eric Anyamele, the Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Idemili North and South Federal Constituency for the 2027 election, said Archbishop Okeke is a priest everybody is proud of and his gestures should be emulated.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Patrick Aghamba, eulogized the Archbishop’s life of devotion and humility and urged inmates to seize the transformation opportunities. He thanked Senator Stella Oduah for supporting the Archbishop’s work and assured partnership of his Ministry with the Archbishop and the Correctional Center in transforming youths.
Dignitaries present includes the National Chairman, APGA, Sly Ezeokenwa, Hon Emeka Idu, House of Representative member representing Onitsha North and South, Hon Ikenna Iyegbu, House of Representative member representing Idemili North and South, among others
