It was a gathering of who is who at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Anambra state as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke celebrated his 20 years of episcopal ordination as a Catholic Bishop.
Catholic Bishops numbering over 60, including Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops emeritus from all the Archdioceses and Dioceses in Nigeria and beyond, led by the Apostolic Nuncio in Nigeria, Antonio Guido Filipazzi graced the occasion.
Other dignitaries in attendance include Governor Willie Obiano, former Governor Peter Obi, Governor-elect, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, PDP governorship candidate in the November 6 Anambra gubernatorial election, Chief Valentine Ozigbo, Senator Victor Umeh and others Knights.
In his Homily, Bishop Godfrey Onah of Nsukka Diocese, described Archbishop Okeke as a humble and talented shepherd in the Lord”s vineyard and prayed God to preserve him as he continues to catch more souls God.
In the same vein, Governor Obiano appreciated Archbishop Okeke for being of immense assistance to his administration both in academics and spiritual upliftment.
Senator Victor Umeh described Okeke as an exemplary good shepherd who has the leadership virtues required to unite a diocese.
“Bishop Okeke deals with the super rich, the rich the middle class and the poor, which explains why he visits the prison inmates three times in a year,” said Umeh.
Responding, the elated Archbishop Okeke expressed profound gratitude to God, the Nuncio, the bishops, priests, past and present Governors of Anambra State including the Governor-elect, other dignitaries, Catholic faithful for sacrificing their time to attend the epoch-making event.
” If I am given a second chance to choose where to work and people to work with, I will choose Onitsha Archdiocese because they have been supportive wonderful, selfless and obedient to me”.
“All laws that are useful to mankind are based on the principles of love. I pledge to be more committed, available and to make more sacrifices in the Lord’s vineyard,” the prelate stressed.
