Archbishop Okeke, a man full of compassion, humanitariansm – Pat. Chukwuemeka
By-polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
The Anambra state comptroller of Correctional Service, Pat. Chukwuemeka has described the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke as a man full of Compassion and humanitarian.
The Correctional Services boss made the disclosure at Onitsha Federal Correctional Service during the thanksgivings and commemoration of Archbishop Okeke’s birthday.
He pointed out that Archbishop Okeke through his magnanimity transformed Onitsha Federal Correctional Service, saying he avail the inmate the opportunity to acquire various skills and moral transformation based on the modern facilities he established in the prison yard, explaining that Correctional Service is not all about punishment but a place where character are being reformed.
” If we are counting our blessings, Archbishop Okeke is number one we would count. I have travelled round the Country and I never came across a person like Archbishop Okeke. He is a blessing to Onitsha Federal Correctional Service. He is kind and full of compassion.
He has transformed Correctional Service like a home for the inmates. So, I feel so happy for him and may God continue to bless him and keep him alive.”
However, Archbishop Okeke in his short homily during the Holy Mass to mark his birthday explained that thanksgiving could be as well offered through forgiving those who have offended you, helping others if you are more favoured amongst other.
He further admonished that we should always count our blessings from God not focused only on what God has done for us.
” Do not blame God on what you don’t have. God blesses every one. Try to be grateful to God and count your blessings” Said prelate.
In his appreciation speech, the Chaplain of St. Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy Onitsha Federal Correctional Service, Rev. Fr. Bathlomew Okpalaugo expressed his joy for the presence of Archbishop Okeke in the Correctional Service and extolled him on his birthday.
The cleric however rained encomium on the Archbishop for his love on the inmates and numerous human capital development he established in the Correctional Service, saying that when ever they see him they rejoice. He thanked Most Rev. Hilary Paul Odili Okeke (Rtd), Priests, Religious, laities, Government functionaries and politicians who celebrated with Archbishop Okeke in his birthday.
Items donated to the inmates by Archbishop Okeke for his birthday includes assorted toilet tissues, assorted toilet soaps, Cartons of cabinet Biscuits, 10 bags of cooked Rice with one cow slaughtered, special cake and live cow.
