Emma Elekwa
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has congratulated His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, on his 73rd birthday.
Soludo, in his goodwill message by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime described the Archbishop as a shepherd of uncommon humility, wisdom and moral courage, whose ministry has strengthened the faith of many and nurtured hope across Anambra State and beyond.
According to him, for more than two decades at the helm of the Archdiocese of Onitsha, the Archbishop has offered steady, prayerful leadership, speaking truth with charity and guiding the faithful with the quiet authority of a true Servant of God.
“The Archbishop’s impact reaches well beyond the pulpit. Through the Church’s schools, health institutions and charitable outreach, His Grace has championed the dignity of the human person, widened opportunity for young people and extended compassion to the poor, the sick and the forgotten,” he said.
The Governor also commended the Archbishop for his enduring tradition of marking his birthday with the inmates of the Onitsha Custodial Centre.
“The gesture reflects the Gospel imperative to remember those in bondage and affirms that no one is beyond redemption, mercy or the possibility of a fresh start.
“It is a testimony to a life lived in imitation of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served,” the Governor said.
While wishing the Archbishop very happy birthday celebration, Soludo prayed that God would continue to grant him good health, renewed strength, and many more fruitful years in the service of the Church and humanity.
Also, Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for Anambra Central, Ven Tochukwu Ikezue has felicitated the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a beacon of faith, wisdom and service to humanity.
Ikezue, in a birthday message, said Archbishop Okeke’s life and ministry had continued to inspire the people of Anambra State and beyond through his commitment to evangelisation, education, healthcare and human development.
He described the Archbishop as “a towering iroko in the vineyard of God,” as well as a shepherd, teacher and father to many, noting that his leadership had contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Archdiocese of Onitsha.
According to him, Archbishop Okeke had also served as a moral compass in the state, giving voice to the voiceless and standing for truth, justice and the common good.
“Your life is a testament of humility, wisdom, holiness and uncommon dedication to the work of evangelisation and human development,” Ikezue said.
Ikezue who extended the felicitations on behalf of his family, campaign team and the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District, prayed God to grant the Archbishop continued strength, good health, wisdom and many more years of service.
He further expressed gratitude for the Archbishop’s contributions to the spiritual and social development of the people, urging him to remain steadfast in his service to God and humanity.
The cleric wished the Archbishop a happy 73rd birthday and prayed for many more fruitful years.