By Polycarp Ifeanyi.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, has called on public-spirited individuals, groups, and organizations to assist in improving the Onitsha Correctional Centre by providing solar power and modern roofing materials for the facility.
Archbishop Okeke made the appeal at St. Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy, Onitsha Correctional Centre, during his 72nd birthday celebration with inmates, describing his concern for their welfare as part of his lifelong pastoral mission.
‘Inmates Can Become Useful Members of Society’
Speaking at the event, the Archbishop said his visit to European prisons revealed that incarceration does not end a person’s usefulness.
“When I travelled to Europe, I visited some prisons and discovered that many of the inmates were of Igbo origin. I noticed that after serving their terms, many became useful to themselves and their families,” he said.
“Some acquired education and skills while in prison. That is why I am appealing to the public to support our own correctional centre so that inmates can also be transformed and empowered.”
He added that he had already established a skills acquisition centre and provided several basic facilities for inmates, but emphasized the need for a stable power supply to enable effective use of the equipment.
‘Gratitude Attracts More Blessings’
Delivering his homily during the thanksgiving Mass, Archbishop Okeke urged Christians to always express gratitude to God for His goodness.
“Gratitude not expressed is not real. You can thank God for life, success, achievements, or safe journeys. Expressing gratitude attracts more blessings and paves the way for greater prosperity,” he said.
He noted that thanksgiving strengthens faith and fosters a spirit of contentment and progress.
Tributes and Felicitations
The Chaplain of St. Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Okpalaugo, praised Archbishop Okeke as a true shepherd and a blessing to inmates. He recalled that the inmates organized a football tournament in honour of the Archbishop’s birthday and lauded his numerous contributions to their welfare.
The Anambra State Controller of Corrections, Mr. Anslem Ike, thanked God for the Archbishop’s life and prayed for more years of good health. He said it was a privilege to meet the Archbishop in person, having long heard of his impactful projects at the centre.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi, described Archbishop Okeke as a beacon of hope and a true shepherd, wishing him long life and continued divine favour.
Dignitaries and Donations
Notable dignitaries at the celebration included the Young Progressives Party (YPP) governorship candidate, Sir Paul Chukwuma, and his deputy, Uzuokagbue, who donated two cows to mark the Archbishop’s birthday.
Others in attendance were APGA National Chairman, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa; APC Deputy Governorship candidate, Iyom Uche Ekwunife; Labour Party governorship candidate, Chief George Muoghalu; and former Chief of Staff, Primus Odili, among others.
Archbishop Okeke also donated several items to the inmates, including toilet soap, tissue paper, toothpaste, biscuits, bottled water, cooked rice, birthday cake, and two live cows, one of which was slaughtered for immediate use.
