The Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke, celebrated his 71st birthday with a heartfelt gesture, donating food items to the inmates of Onitsha Correctional Centre in Anambra State.
The generous gift included cooked coolers of rice, bags of rice and beans, cartons of biscuits, a slaughtered cow, assorted tissue paper, a birthday cake, and more.
During a Holy Mass held at the correctional facility, Archbishop Okeke delivered an inspiring homily, emphasising the importance of gratitude. He encouraged the faithful to appreciate the gift of life and to acknowledge God’s blessings through expressions of thanks.
“Thanksgiving is essential to acknowledge God’s blessings,” he noted. “Gratitude not expressed is not real. It can be shown through prayer, good deeds, forgiveness, almsgiving, and fairness to others.”
Archbishop Okeke urged, “Do not wait for a momentous occasion to give thanks. Cultivate the habit of thanksgiving in every aspect of your life.”
Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Okpalaugo, chaplain of the St. Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy at the correctional centre, expressed gratitude to Archbishop Okeke for his continuous support and dedication. He praised the Archbishop’s efforts in enhancing the living conditions within the centre, including medical treatment, access to education, and the establishment of a modern skill acquisition center.
Further, it was announced that the National Open University would soon initiate educational programs at the correctional centre, providing inmates with the opportunity for tertiary education while serving their sentences.
The Anambra State Controller of Correctional Centres, Joseph Osifo, lauded Archbishop Okeke as a significant blessing to both the facility and the community. He underscored the need for inmates to respect the resources provided and appealed to the government for measures to decongest cells by expediting the judicial process.
The birthday celebration drew a strong turnout of clergymen, religious figures, and local dignitaries, including former Anambra State House of Assembly member Hon. Edward Ibuzo and other influential community leaders.
This initiative reflects the Archbishop’s ongoing commitment to uplifting and supporting the most vulnerable members of society.
Dominica Nwabufo
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