By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has congratulated His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, on his 73rd birthday. He described him as a shepherd of uncommon humility, wisdom and moral courage whose example has strengthened many people’s faith and nurtured hope across the state and beyond.
The congratulatory message was contained in a press release signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, on October 20.
The governor noted that the Archbishop’s impact extends well beyond the pulpit, reaching 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.
“For more than two decades at the helm of the Archdiocese of Onitsha, His Grace has offered steady, prayerful leadership, speaking truth with charity and guiding the faithful with the quiet authority of a true Servant of God,” he said.
He commended the Archbishop’s longstanding tradition of marking his birthday with inmates of the Onitsha Custodial Centre. According to the Governor, the gesture reflects the Gospel imperative to remember those in bondage. It affirms that no one is beyond redemption, mercy or the possibility of a fresh start. “This is a testimony to a life lived in imitation of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served,” the Governor said.
Governor Soludo wished the Archbishop a very happy birthday. He prayed for God’s continued blessings of good health, renewed strength, and many more fruitful years of service to the Church and humanity.
Ifeyinwa Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
