Labour Party chieftain and Anambra Central Senatorial candidate, Ven. Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue, has congratulated the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, on the celebration of his 45th anniversary in the priesthood, describing the milestone as a testament to a lifetime of faith, sacrifice, and dedicated service to God and humanity.
In a congratulatory message issued to mark the occasion, Ikezue praised the Archbishop’s unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church and his exemplary leadership over the past four and a half decades.
He said Archbishop Okeke has consistently demonstrated humility, compassion, spiritual depth, and an enduring commitment to the growth of the Church and the well-being of the faithful.
The anniversary celebration also featured the ordination of 11 new priests, a development Ikezue described as a reflection of the Archbishop’s dedication to raising more labourers for God’s vineyard and strengthening the future of the Church.
According to him, the decision to commemorate such a significant milestone through the ordination of new priests, rather than focusing on personal recognition, underscores Archbishop Okeke’s selfless leadership and commitment to nurturing future generations of clergy.
Ikezue, who attended the celebration, noted that Archbishop Okeke’s journey from his early years in the priesthood to becoming the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha has been marked by exceptional pastoral service, visionary leadership, and steadfast devotion to the Christian faith.
He also commended the Archbishop’s contributions to evangelisation, priestly formation, education, and community development, saying his impact extends beyond the Archdiocese of Onitsha to the wider Catholic Church and Nigerian society.
He prayed that God would continue to grant the Archbishop good health, wisdom, and renewed strength to continue his pastoral mission.
Ikezue further wished Archbishop Okeke many more years of fruitful service, describing his 45 years in the priesthood as an enduring example of faithful leadership, sacrifice, and commitment to God’s work.
The anniversary celebration served as both a thanksgiving for the Archbishop’s years of ministry and a celebration of the Church’s continued growth through the ordination of new priests, reinforcing the enduring importance of service, faith, and leadership in the Catholic Church.
By Sunny A. David
