By Juliana Nwachukwu :
An All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) member representing Onitsha North II Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Edward Obiefuna Ibuzo, had joined others in felicitating with the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke, over his 69th birthday.
In an interview session with newsmen, Ibuzo noted that Archbishop Okeke had over the years been celebrating his birthday at Correctional Centre where he gave words of advice to the inmates.
He wished the Archbishop many more blissful years as he celebrated his 69th birthday.
The birthday celebration was marked with a Concelebrated Mass officiated by Archbishop Val Okeke alongside Emeritus Bishop Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev Dr Hilary Okeke with other priests.
In his message, Archbishop Okeke harped on the need for thanksgiving for every faithful, noting that God had been faithful to him and admonished the faithful on the need for forgiveness to others by offering assistance to the needy .
To the inmates, he said, “You may have been here for not doing anything but it could have been a blessing because even many others who are not in prison face other ugly experiences in life”.
He gave message of hope to the inmates that Almighty God had not abandoned them but we must at every time count our blessings.
He equally announced at the end of the mass that N100 million skill acquisition center built by Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese at the Correctional Centre would be commissioned and handed over to Nigeria Correctional Centre Onitsha, by December 2022.
He announced gift items he got for the inmates at the Correctional Centre, Onitsha which included 10 bags of cooked rice in big coolers, one life cow, cartons of biscuits, chinchin, toiletries, special cake, others.
There was cultural dances, Igba group that entertained Archbishop Valerian Okeke who danced to their melodious songs.
Those who graced the ocassion include the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo represented by Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Anambra State Commissioner for Education.
Others were, Rev Fr Prudentius Aroh, Chancellor Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, Rev Fr Basil Ekwunife, Vice Chancellor, Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, Rev Fr Kelvin Chukwuka, Secretary to Archbishop Valerian Okeke.
