By Ononye VC
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Reverend Valerian Okeke during the week honoured His Majesty, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe,CFR,mini,Agbogidi,Obi of Onitsha with his physical presence during his Ofala 2024 held at the Ime-Obi Onicha on Friday,October 18,2024.The Archbishop’s yearly gracing the Ofala with his presence is a clear indication of the love, mutual respect and good relationship between the Catholic church and the Onitsha indigenous community.
The Archbishop was accompanied on the visit by the Vicar General of the Archdiocese,Very Rev Fr Johnbosco Okafor,now the Parish Priest of St Jude Catholic Church,Fegge, Onitsha,the Secretary to the Archbishop Very Rev Fr Emmanuel Onunkwo,the new Rector of the Basilica,Very Rev Fr Johnbosco Ezika,Rev Fr Justin Oguama,the new Parish Priest of St Mary’s Catholic Church,Onitsha, Rev Fr Samuel Uzondu,Rev Fr Collins Okoye,Associate Chaplain of CWO, Archdiocese of Onitsha, Onitsha indigenous priest,Rev Fr Henry Osakwe and Catechist Ginikanwa Kingsley of St Mary’s Parish,Onitsha.
Others who accompanied the Archbishop are,the Director of CWO Archdiocese of Onitsha,Dame Dr Ngozi Nwanosike and some CWO Organizers namely Ladies Uju Ikpeama and Anthonia Okemili.
The Archbishop who was received into the Obi’s palace by top officials of the Ofala festival was respectfully seated very close to the Obi of Onitsha from where he viewed the Ofala proceedings clearly.
Some dignitaries who came to pay their homage to the Obi on citing the Archbishop,used the opportunity to greet him and posed for rare photographs with him.
The Mayor of Onitsha North Local Government Area,Chief Nweze Tony Nwora also welcomed the Archbishop.
Before the Archbishop left the venue,gifts were presented to the Obi on his behalf by members of the clergy and lay faithful who accompanied him to the festival.
The Obi was visibly happy seeing the Archbishop and his team.
The colourful Ofala festival was well attended by dignitaries and other Nigerians from all walks of life.
