. Obiano, Soludo, Umeh, Ozigbo, Obi, Knights, others eulogize him
. I’ll be more committed, available in the lord’s vineyard – celebrant
By CHUKS EKE
It was a gathering of who is who in the Catholic community yesterday at the Centenary Field of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Anambra state as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke celebrated his 20 years of episcopal ordination as a Catholic Bishop.
Expectedly, no fewer than 60 Catholic Bishops, 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 were Governor Willie Obiano, former Governor Peter Obi, Governor-elect, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, PDP governorship candidate I’m the November 6 Anambra gubernatorial election, Chief Valentine Ozigbo, Senator Victor Umeh and others Knights of Saint John and Saint Mulumba.
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 with long life and good health to continue to catch more souls for 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 in his eiulogy, described Okeke as an exemplary good shepherd who has the leadership virtues required to unite a diocese.
According to Umeh, “he 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”.
Responding, the elated Archbishop Okeke expressed profound gratitude to God, the Nuncio, all the bishops and the entire priests, the religious and lay faithfuls for sacrificing their time yo attend the epock-making event.
According to Okeke, ” if I am given a second chance to choose where to work and ejo 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 lobe”, Okeke further stated out of appreciation, adding, I pledge to be more committed, available and to make more sacrifices in the Lord’s vineyard”.
