Commissioner Urges FG To Emulate Archbishop Okeke’s Model In Onitsha Correctional Centre
By Polycarp Ifeanyi
The Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development and sports, Hon. Patrick Aghadinuno Mba, has called on the Federal Government to emulate the transformational model put in place by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, at the Onitsha Correctional Center.
Hon. Agha Mba made the call while speaking to journalists shortly after the thanksgiving Holy Mass to mark the 73rd birthday anniversary of Archbishop Okeke at the Onitsha Correctional Center.
According to him, Archbishop Okeke has, over the years, shown uncommon commitment to transforming the facility from a mere prison into a true correctional centre where inmates are given a sense of belonging.
He noted that the current name, ‘correctional centre’, aligns perfectly with what the Archbishop has been doing by providing inmates with access to sports, education and other social amenities within the facility.
“It is a milestone. The Federal Government should come and see what a real correctional centre looks like from what Archbishop Okeke has done. I also appreciate all those who have been supporting the Archbishop’s efforts. It is indeed a life of sacrifice,” he said.
The Commissioner also advised inmates of the centre to see themselves as God’s gift and not as rejects, adding that their being in the facility may be God’s way of preserving them from greater calamity.
“I wish our brothers and sisters who are inmates to see themselves as God’s gift. For them to be here, probably God does not want them to be wasted. God wants to preserve them through this measure. Just like Archbishop Okeke said, they do not know why God decided to prevent a calamity that would have befallen them by bringing them here. So, let us look at it from that angle,” he stated.
He encouraged the inmates to appreciate and continue to support the sacrifices Archbishop Okeke has been rendering to them, describing his love and selflessness as worthy of emulation.
“All of us have seen what sacrifice, love and giving is all about. It does not matter where you come from, we are one entity. The world is one – one people, one God,” he added.
Hon. Agha Mba lauded Archbishop Okeke’s homily on thanksgiving, describing it as profound and a major takeaway from the celebration.
“His homily centered on thanksgiving. If I take only that message, it is enough for me. Thanksgiving is not just about doing something for God, but also for ourselves. A life of giving is more important than a life of receiving,” he said.
He thanked God for the life of Archbishop Okeke and wished him long life, more wisdom, grace and strength as he continues to serve God and humanity.
