By Nna Anulumadu
As the chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke marked his 43rd priestly anniversary, the manager/ principal of Archbishop Heerey Technical College Ogidi on Tuesday described the prelate as an inspiration.
Fr Nwadimkpa who made the description while felicitating the Archbishop stated that the mother church and our society are lucky to have him in the Lord’s vineyard as a priest.
” I know him for a very long time as a seminarian, a priest, and today as an Archbishop. He is a great motivator . As a priest, Co- adjutor Archbishop and Archbishop he has been an inspiration to the seminarians, priests, religious and lay faithful. As an Archbishop of Onitsha, we see transformation in every facet of human endeavour. He has brought inspiration to so people.
He is constantly touching lives through his investments in education, health, banking, communication vis- a – vis Sapientia Radio and TV, Oluchukwu oil and gas, music industry etc.
In essence, his motto, ‘that they may have life and have it in fullness’ John 10: 10 is been reflecting in every aspect of his life and priestly ministry. When he sent priests including my self to studies for leadership training abroad, other Bishops where afraid because huge money was involved, still he was not discouraged, rather he stopped at nothing to give us the best training in the world and that same training we are impacting on our children today. At this anniversary, he has a lot to be happy for and we have a lot to be happy for him.
Good to note that our Archbishop has the magic bullet in education by insisting that education should regain its former glory. Apart from evangelization, the missionaries invested a lot in education. Infact, their commitment to education transformed Igbo land. In essence, Archbishop Valerian is following the footsteps of the missionaries, ensuring transformation of Igbo people and Nigerian society through education.”
The manager further revealed that Archbishop Val have the habit of putting in the best of his priests in education system as part of his mission to give the students a holistic education and right formation that will usher them to successful careers.
He always gives the best of what he can offer in school system. I told my students that they are enjoying what others did enjoy years ago courtesy of Archbishop.
He has succeeded in putting education at the forefront in our society. Our mission schools are now excelling academically, winning international trophies, laurels and at the same attracting fame to the country. Without mincing words, schools in Onitsha Archdiocese are setting the pace academically in the country. Our products are making waves in their various areas of specializations.
Our own product from Archbishop Heerey Technical college Ogidi John Onuigbo won UNESCO essay competition . He also won the 2023 Anambra state innovator of the year. In order words, our society has already started witnessing the results of Archbishop’s huge investment in education, health and other sectors. He is simply a game changer.
