By Juliana Nwachukwu :
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State Friday at Onitsha Correctional Center, gave #5,000 each to 1100 inmates as Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Valeria Okeke, celebrated his 70th birthday with the inmates
Soludo advised the inmates to be of good behaviour and repent of their sins to be able to mix up with the outside world when they complete their tenure adding that the State Government will take financial care of those of them who will sit for external examinations.
The governor also presented indomies, biscuits, toiletaries even as his wife, Nonye, presented cake to the inmates.
Earlier, the Archbishop thanked God for attaining 70 years stating that he always celebrated with the inmates for them to feel the fatherly love pointing out that the skill acquisition centre he built for the inmates which was commissioned during the occasion, was for them to be professionals on completion of their tenure.
He presented a life cow, killed one cow that was cooked with 10 bags of rice, biscuits, toiletaries, 100 mattresses, 50 bunk beds, cake, among others to the inmates.
In a remark, the Comptroller General, Mr. Haliru Nababa, on behalf of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, honoured the celebrant with the Grand Patron award in appreciation for what he has done at the Onitsha centre.
The Comptroller General who was ably represented by his Deputy, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, also commended the Archbishop for the building of the skill acquisition centre for the inmates.
He also commended Governor Soludo for his payment of external examination fees for inmates taking the examination and pleaded with other governors and good spirited individuals to emulate Soludo.
Former Governor Chris Nwabueze Ngige, while speaking said he built one cell and renovated a portion of the perimeter fence even as he commended the Archbishop for marking 70 years .
Earlier, the papal Nuncio of Czech, Amb. Archbishop Jude Okolo, recalled that the celebrant was his contemporary in the seminary school, disclosing that he was brilliant which earned him his present position.
Among those who graced the occasion included, Senators Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial zone, and all House of Assembly members in Onitsha constituency under the Labour Party, LP.
Highlight on the occasion was the celebrant with guests cutting the cake inside Onitsha Correctional center.