Archbishop Valerian Okeke Celebrates 73rd Birthday With Onitsha Inmates

The Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, has celebrated his 73rd birthday with inmates at the National Correctional Centre in Onitsha, Anambra State, as part of his annual gesture of support and encouragement.

Okeke said the celebration was intended to demonstrate love, give inmates a sense of belonging and express gratitude to God.

Speaking during a Mass at the correctional centre on Tuesday, the archbishop delivered a homily titled “Necessity of Giving Thanks,” in which he described thanksgiving as an essential virtue in the life of every Christian.

He urged the faithful to cultivate a habit of gratitude, saying thanksgiving strengthens one’s relationship with God and attracts divine blessings. He also encouraged inmates to remain prayerful and hopeful, adding that their time in custody could be an opportunity for spiritual reflection and personal transformation.

“When you see yourself in prison and think you are being punished, you are not right. What brought you inside the prison could have taken your life,” Okeke said, urging the inmates to reflect on the blessings they still had rather than focus solely on what they lacked.

The archbishop also encouraged people to share their blessings with others, describing generosity as one of the ways to show gratitude to God.

As part of the celebration, Okeke presented the inmates with food and relief materials, including live cows, bags of rice, toiletries, clothing, detergents and other essential items.

He expressed satisfaction over what he described as a reduction in the number of inmates at the facility, saying it was an indication of a possible decline in crime. He also prayed for the Federal Government’s efforts to transform the correctional system to achieve their intended objectives.

The Chaplain of St. Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy at the Onitsha Custodial Centre, Reverend Father Batho Okpalaugo, congratulated the archbishop and wished him more fruitful years. He said Okeke had spent about 20 years making birthday visits to inmates, offering gifts and words of encouragement.

Okpalaugo also commended the archbishop’s contributions to educational and vocational opportunities at the facility, including the establishment of primary and secondary schools, an Open University and a skills acquisition centre to help inmates gain qualifications and practical skills while in custody.

The candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Eric Anyamele, praised the archbishop’s efforts, urging other religious leaders to emulate his support for inmates.

Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Patrick Aghamba, also commended Okeke’s humility and commitment to his faith. He urged inmates to take advantage of the educational and skills development opportunities available to them and pledged that his ministry would partner with the archbishop and the correctional centre to support their transformation.