The Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, has celebrated his 73rd birthday with inmates at the Onitsha Custodial Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service, reaffirming his commitment to charity, rehabilitation and the dignity of every human being.
The celebration took place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy within the custodial centre in Onitsha, Anambra State.
During a sermon titled “Necessity of Giving Thanks,” Archbishop Okeke urged Christians and the public to cultivate an attitude of gratitude by focusing on their blessings rather than their difficulties.
He described thanksgiving as a virtue that attracts God’s favour, noting that people should appreciate the gift of life and extend their blessings to others.
“Thanksgiving is a virtue that makes a man great before God. The more you give thanks, the more you’re blessed,” the Archbishop said.
He observed that God provides humanity with basic necessities, including fresh air and the gift of life, adding that even being in custody could sometimes mean being preserved from death.
The cleric encouraged the faithful to demonstrate genuine gratitude by helping the less privileged and showing compassion to those in difficult circumstances.
As part of the celebration, Archbishop Okeke presented the inmates with several items, including live cows, bags of rice, toiletries, clothing and detergents.
He also expressed satisfaction with the reported reduction in the number of inmates at the facility, describing it as a positive indication of progress in the fight against crime.
The Archbishop called for prayers and support for the Federal Government’s efforts to transform the country’s correctional system and strengthen its rehabilitation objectives.
In his vote of thanks, the Chaplain of St. Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Batho Okpalaugo, disclosed that Archbishop Okeke had maintained the tradition of celebrating his birthdays with inmates for 20 years.
According to him, the Archbishop has consistently used the occasions to provide material support, encouragement and spiritual guidance to the inmates.
Fr. Okpalaugo also commended the Archbishop for establishing educational and vocational facilities within the custodial centre, including primary and secondary schools, an open university programme and a skills acquisition centre.
He said the initiatives were designed to equip inmates with education and practical skills that could help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society after their release.
Correctional Officials, Political Leaders Praise Archbishop
The Controller of Corrections in Anambra State, Mrs. Ezinne Onuoha, and the Officer-in-Charge of the Onitsha Custodial Centre, Mr. Emmanuel Dede, praised Archbishop Okeke for his contributions to societal transformation and the welfare of inmates.
They described his consistent support for the correctional facility as an example of selfless service and humanitarian commitment.
In a goodwill message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, congratulated the Archbishop on his 73rd birthday.
Soludo described him as a religious leader whose humility, wisdom and moral courage had strengthened faith and inspired hope among the people.
The governor commended the Archbishop’s contributions through church-owned schools, healthcare institutions and charitable initiatives, noting that his ministry had continued to promote human dignity and extend compassion to the poor, sick and vulnerable.
He particularly praised the Archbishop’s 20-year tradition of celebrating his birthdays with inmates, describing the gesture as a practical expression of Christian teachings and a reminder that no individual is beyond redemption.
Soludo prayed for the Archbishop’s continued good health, renewed strength and many more fruitful years of service to God and humanity.
Also at the event, Engr. Eric Anyamele, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, described Archbishop Okeke as a priest whose exemplary life and humanitarian activities had earned him widespread admiration.
He urged other religious leaders and public figures to emulate the Archbishop’s commitment to helping the less privileged.
Similarly, Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Patrick Aghamba, praised the Archbishop’s life of devotion, humility and service.
Aghamba encouraged the inmates to take advantage of the educational, vocational and rehabilitation opportunities available to them to prepare for a more productive future.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Senator Stella Oduah to the Archbishop’s work and pledged his ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the Archbishop and the Correctional Service in programmes aimed at transforming young people.
Among the dignitaries who attended the birthday celebration were the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sly Ezeokenwa; Hon. Emeka Idu, representing Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; and Hon. Ikenna Iyegbu, representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency, alongside other government officials, political leaders and church representatives.
The celebration highlighted Archbishop Okeke’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian service, particularly his efforts to support inmates through material assistance, education, spiritual guidance and opportunities for rehabilitation.
His annual outreach to the custodial centre has become a defining feature of his birthday celebrations, reinforcing the message that compassion, gratitude and the opportunity for personal transformation should extend to every member of society.
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