By Tony Ezike
Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has congratulated the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, the Most Reverend Valerian Maduka Okeke, on the occasion of his 24th Episcopal Anniversary.
In a congratulatory message, the Senator described the anniversary as a moment of deep thanksgiving to God for a life devoted to divine service and the spiritual upliftment of humanity. She praised Archbishop Okeke for what she called his exemplary episcopal journey, marked by humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
Senator Ekwunife noted that the Archbishop’s selfless service, profound pastoral wisdom, and consistent advocacy for peace, justice, and moral rectitude have continued to inspire not only members of the Catholic Church but people of other faiths across Anambra State and beyond.
She further commended His Grace’s leadership, which she said has strengthened the Church, nurtured priestly and religious vocations, promoted unity among the faithful, and upheld the sanctity of human life.
The Senator revealed that religious leaders of Archbishop Okeke’s calibre were among the inspirations behind her and her husband’s decision to build St. Lawrence Catholic Chapel, aimed at winning more souls for Christ and deepening Christians’ understanding of the essence of Christianity in human life, love, service, and peaceful coexistence.
Senator Ekwunife prayed that God would continue to bless Archbishop Okeke with good health, renewed strength, and divine wisdom, granting him many more fruitful years of service to the Church and humanity. She wished him a joyful celebration and a future filled with God’s abundant grace and peace.
