By Ononye VC
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Valerian Maduka Okeke has clocked 44 years as a priest of the Catholic church.
He was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Onitsha on July 11,1981 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral now (Basilica) Onitsha,by His Eminence,Francis Cardinal Arinze who was the then Archbishop of Onitsha.
He was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Onitsha on November 28,2001,followed by his consecration as Coadjutor Archbishop of Onitsha on February 09,2002.
Immediately after,he was elevated as the Archbishop and Metropolitan of Onitsha on September 01,2003.He is a member of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
While his 44th priestly ordination anniversary is celebrated,messages of goodwill has been pouring in from friends,relatives and well wishers to felicitate the Archbishop on his successful journey into priesthood.
The Archbishop is acknowledged widely as a bridge builder,a lover of education and excellence and an inspiration to the youths.
One of the greatest of his achievements being the early erection of a multi-million Naira Family Youth Village for university students at Amansea near Awka,where thousands of university students were and are currently receiving positive formation in character and academics.
This is followed by the recent inauguration of the Shanahan University,Onitsha,first University in the ancient commercial city of Onitsha.
The Archbishop’s contribution towards peace building and community development in Anambra State need not be overemphasized.
He received the greatest award of honour as the Grand Patron of Nigerian Correctional Centres in Nigeria from the Nigerian federal government in recognition of his contributions towards welfare of prisoners and development of prison infrastructure.
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