You Are A Passionate Shepherd Of God’s Flock, Governor Soludo Tells Archbishop Okeke

Archbishop Valerian Okeke has been described as the father of all and a diligent and passionate shepherd of God’s flock.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo gave the description during a mass to celebrate the Archbishop birthday celebration which he marked with inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Center, Onitsha.

The Archbishop’s birthday celebration which he has made an annual event to celebrate it with inmates at the correctional centre in Onitsha attracted the Archbishop’s family and friends, the member representing Onitsha II constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Honorable Edward lbuzo, former Senator, Chief Victor Umeh, Honorable Uche Annie Okonkwo and other top government officials.

Governor Soludo who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh noted that Archbishop Okeke has been discharging his pastoral duties with vigor, love and tolerance.

He felicitated with him as he clocked 69 and prayed for God’s guidance and protection on him.

He also called on parents to always equip their children and wards with needed educational materials in school and teach them how to relate well with their peers to excel in future.

Delivering a homily centered on the topic: ‘Count your Blessings’, Archbishop Okeke asked the inmates not to become discouraged by their fate but to be assured that God has not forgotten them.

Appreciating Archbishop Okeke for celebrating his 69th birthday with them, the Chaplain of Onitsha Correctional Center, Rev. Father Barthomew Okpalaugo assured him of the prayers of inmates of the centre at all times.

In his speech the Controller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Anambra State, Mr Patrick Chukwuemeka extolled the Archbishop Okeke for his yearly visits and stated that “there is no greater friend to Nigerian Correctional Centres than Archbishop Okeke” and prayed God to bless him and give him more years ahead as the shepherd of his flock.

The birthday celebration featured distribution of food items and live cows to the correctional center.