OBIANO, SOLUDO CELEBRATE HIS GRACE, VALERIAN OKEKE, ARCHBISHOP OF CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF ONITSHA/METROPOLITAN OF ECCLESIASTICAL PROVINCE AT 68
By Christian ABURIME
Governor Willie Obiano and Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo were some of the high profile personalities who attended the birthday anniversary of His Grace, Valerian Maduka Okeke, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province who clocked 68 years.
His Grace who celebrated the birthday at the Nigerian Correctional Service, Onitsha, with the prison inmates, called on the people not to lose hope or be frustrated by the challenges of life. He charged the people to learn to turn their challenges in life into opportunities and blessings.
“You must learn not to be frustrated in life because of the challenges life throws at you. So don’t wallow in self-pity, you must do something about your life to be meaningful.” He said.
He specifically harped on the need for the inmates to be useful to themselves through the acquisition of education or vocational skills that will impact positively on their lives.
He further stated that he will continue to support the Correctional Service and inmates at all times.
Mr Patrick Chukwuemeka, Controller of Correctional Service in Anambra State, in his remarks, said the job of ‘correction’ is the responsibility of everyone.
He added that the primary goal is to reform and redeem the inmates back into the society. He extended his birthday wishes to the celebrant and thanked him for the support he has been giving to the Correctional Service in the state
The Controller also thanked Governor Willie Obiano, and especially his wife, Chief (Dr) Ebelechukwu Obiano who has been supporting the Command with foodstuffs and other sundry items for the inmates.
Governor Willie Obiano in his speech, congratulated His Grace on his birthday anniversary and wished him many more years of glorious service in the vineyard of the Lord as well as service to humanity.
He promised to grant amnesty to deserving inmates through the recommendation of the Controller.
He charged the intimate to ensure they vote for Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the APGA candidate, in the forthcoming governorship election, who he said, will create more jobs that will engage the people meaningfully and debar them from engaging in criminal activities.
Other dignitaries at the occasion include; the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi; PDP gubernatorial candidate, Mr Valentine Ozigbo; ADC gubernatorial candidate, Mr Sullivian Akachukwu Nwankwo; APGA National Chairman, Ozonkpu (Dr) Victor Oye; Senator Victor Umeh (Ohamadike), former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former APGA National Chairman; Chief Primus Odili, Chief of Staff to Governor Willie Obiano; Prof Kate Omenugha, Commissioner for Basic Education and several others.