BY REV FR GERALD NWAFOR
Anniversaries are moments of reflection, gratitude, and hope reawakened.
They allow us to pause, look back on the journey traveled, and appreciate the impact of a life dedicated to service. The twenty-fourth anniversary of my uncle, His Grace Most Rev Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, who serves as the Archbishop of Onitsha, Nigeria, is not merely a celebration of years spent in ministry, but a celebration of a life poured out in generosity, humility, and unwavering commitment to humanity.
His life and work stand as a living testimony to what it truly means to be a shepherd after God’s own heart. In one of my classes, the professor said that “TRUTH” is a defense, and faith does not require you to deny reality. So, the existence of the Holy Family Youth Village and, of recent, the Shanahan University speaks for itself. I am his blood, I am his student, I am his protegee, and I am one of his numerous mentees. Therefore, I can speak a little bit about the doyen.
From the very beginning of his calling, my uncle has embodied generosity in its purest form.
His generosity is not limited to material giving, though he has provided assistance to countless individuals and families in need. Rather, his generosity extends to his time, his counsel, and his presence. The seminarians will be giving “like” buttons now if this piece were to be published on a social media page.
Many people who encounter him speak of how he listens attentively, offers encouragement, and guides without judgment. Anyways, he is a moral theologian in theory and in practice. In communities where hope can sometimes feel distant, he becomes a source of reassurance and stability. Whether it is supporting educational initiatives (youth village), assisting widows and orphans (indigent seminarians), or contributing to community development projects, he consistently demonstrates that leadership is not about position but about service.
Equally remarkable is his humility. Despite holding a highly respected and influential office within the Church, he carries himself with simplicity and grace.
He does not allow titles or honors to distance him from the people he serves. Instead, he approaches everyone with warmth and approachability, making each person feel valued and heard. This humility is evident in the way he interacts with parishioners, clergy, and even strangers. He is the kind of leader who would sit among the people rather than above them, who prefers to be known not for his rank but for his character. In a world where authority often breeds pride, his modesty is both refreshing and inspiring. Birthdays are celebrated in prisons annually.
I hope the prisoners in the Onitsha Correctional Center will testify to the fact that he has lifted the standard of life in that prison in the last 20 years.
Whenever the flood came calling, the Basilica became a home for the displaced, and he always makes it a point of duty that they are well fed.
Another quality that defines him is his likable and welcoming personality. People from all walks of life find it easy to relate to him. His smile is genuine, his words are kind, and his demeanor is calm.
These traits naturally draw people toward him, creating an atmosphere of trust and openness wherever he goes. His ability to connect with individuals across age groups, cultures, and social backgrounds makes him not only a respected religious figure but also a beloved member of the wider community. He understands that leadership is most effective when it is rooted in compassion and empathy, and he lives out this understanding daily.
As the rector during our seminary formation, he called us boys and treated us as his sons. Whenever he comes back from a long vacation, everyone in the seminary gets a gift, even the domestic staff. The domestic staff made him a chief with the title “Chinyelu-ogu” (God crowns the king).
What truly sets him apart, however, is his relentless concern for the welfare of the people. He is never idle when it comes to seeking ways to improve the lives of others.
During his six years as rector of Bigard, he gave us a new kitchen, a new dam, a new source of water supply, a renovated auditorium, a new FIFA-grade field, a new computer lab, seven new lawns, a new basketball court, a volleyball court, and a telecommunication system. His mind is constantly occupied with thoughts of how to address social challenges, uplift the disadvantaged, and strengthen the spiritual and moral fabric of society.
He has initiated numerous outreach programs and supported initiatives that promote education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. For him, faith is not confined to sermons and ceremonies; it is expressed through tangible actions that bring relief and hope to those in need. His ministry reflects a deep understanding that true spirituality must go hand in hand with social responsibility.
Perhaps one of the most admirable aspects of his life is his deep concern for the younger generation. In one of his homilies at Monday morning Mass, he said, “The best general is the one who grooms a good successor to maintain the achievements and goals.” He recognizes that the future of both the Church and society rests in the hands of today’s youth. This awareness fuels his dedication to mentoring and guiding young people, encouraging them to develop strong moral values, pursue education, and cultivate leadership skills. He frequently emphasizes the importance of integrity, discipline, and service to others.
Through seminars, youth programs, and personal mentorship, he invests time and energy into shaping individuals who will one day take on responsibilities greater than his own. His vision extends beyond the present; he is building foundations for a future he may not personally witness but deeply believes in. Every December, people come together to watch the AVOMA (Archbishop Valerian Okeke Music Academy) perform with the multiplicity of talents from the youth.
The significance of his twenty-fourth anniversary lies not only in the length of his service but in the depth of his impact. Over the years, he has touched countless lives—sometimes in ways that may never be fully known or documented.
His legacy is written in the smiles of those he has helped, the confidence of young people he has mentored, and the strengthened faith of congregations he has led. Each year of his ministry represents sacrifices made, prayers offered, and countless acts of kindness performed quietly and consistently. In the last 24 years Onitsha Archdiocese has experienced what Bigard experienced in six years. The legal maxim says, “Res Ipsa Loquitur” (The facts speak for themselves).
Celebrating this milestone is therefore a celebration of virtues that are increasingly rare yet profoundly needed: generosity without expectation, humility without pretense, leadership without arrogance, and faith expressed through action. It is also a reminder that true greatness is measured not by accolades but by the positive difference one makes in the lives of others. His life challenges everyone around him to strive for selflessness, compassion, and dedication to the common good. Ochie daalu rienne (greetings, grandpa).
As family members, parishioners, and members of the wider community gather to honor this occasion, the atmosphere will be filled with gratitude and admiration.
We celebrate not only the years he has served but the person he is—a man whose heart remains open, whose spirit remains gentle, and whose mission remains clear. His journey continues to inspire many to believe that one individual, guided by faith and love, can indeed influence an entire generation. I always tease him that he could have become a Jewish prophet if Christianity and Western civilization hadn’t shown up in Igboland. He would laugh, but I would be quick to remind him and count for him the numerous things he had predicted correctly with certitude and accuracy.
He will always say, “Remember that I am ‘Nwadioka.’”
In marking his twenty-fourth anniversary, we do more than commemorate time; we honor a legacy of service and a future filled with promise. His story reminds us that leadership rooted in humility and compassion can transform communities and shape destinies. As he continues his mission, we pray that his strength is renewed, his vision remains bright, and his influence continues to uplift countless lives for many years to come. Happy silver jubilee minus one-year Ochie.
