Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, have congratulated the Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, on his 73rd birthday.
In a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo described the Archbishop as a shepherd of uncommon humility, wisdom and moral courage whose ministry has strengthened the Christian faith and nurtured hope across Anambra State and beyond.
Soludo noted that Archbishop Okeke had provided steady and prayerful leadership to the Archdiocese of Onitsha for more than two decades, speaking truth with charity and guiding the faithful with the humility and authority of a servant of God.
The Governor also commended the Archbishop’s contributions beyond the pulpit, particularly through the Church’s educational institutions, healthcare facilities and charitable initiatives, which he said had promoted human dignity, expanded opportunities for young people and extended compassion to the poor, the sick and other vulnerable members of society.
He further praised the prelate’s tradition of celebrating his birthday with inmates of the Onitsha Custodial Centre, describing the gesture as a reflection of Christian compassion and a commitment to the belief that everyone deserves mercy, redemption and an opportunity for a fresh start.
According to the Governor, the gesture exemplifies a life devoted to following the example of Christ, who came to serve rather than to be served.
Soludo wished Archbishop Okeke a joyful birthday and prayed God to grant him good health, renewed strength and many more fruitful years of service to the Church and humanity.
Similarly, Anambra Speaker, Udeze, in a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the State Legislature, described Archbishop Okeke as an embodiment of humility, devotion and discipleship, as well as a good shepherd of the body of Christ.
Udeze praised the Archbishop’s commitment to evangelism and the growth and expansion of churches under his ecclesiastical leadership.
In a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Madu, the Speaker recalled Archbishop Okeke’s achievements and contributions to the formation of Catholic seminarians during his tenure as Rector of Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu.
He noted that the foundation the Archbishop laid at the institution had yielded significant results, evident in the quality of priests he had helped form, many of whom now serve in different parts of the world.
The Speaker also lauded the Archbishop’s profound knowledge of theology and worship, as well as his effectiveness in church administration and evangelism.
He urged priests and the laity in the Onitsha Archdiocese to continue supporting the Archbishop in advancing the work of God.
Udeze prayed for God’s continued blessings, good health and long life for the Archbishop, expressing hope that he would record more accomplishments to the glory of God.
