Archbishop Okeke Hailed as St. Charles Borromeo Hospital Turns 60
By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
The Archbishop of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, has been highly commended by the management and staff of St. Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital, Onitsha, Anambra State, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support.
The commendation was contained in an address presented by the hospital staff during the celebration of the hospital’s 60th anniversary (Diamond Jubilee).
The address was read by the Secretary of the Planning Committee, Pharm. Dr. Nnenna Ajagu.
According to her, Archbishop Okeke, as the proprietor of the hospital, has provided steadfast leadership that continues to serve as a guiding light in keeping with the noble vision of the hospital’s founder, the late Archbishop Charles Heerey.
She praised the Archbishop for his annual visits and constant encouragement, stressing that the hospital’s 60-year milestone is not merely a statistic on the calendar but a grace-filled moment that continues to bless the hospital, the Onitsha community, Anambra State, and Nigeria at large.
Pharm. Dr. Ajagu also expressed profound appreciation to His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze, whom she described as a beacon of hope and resilience. She further commended the Health Coordinator of the Onitsha Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Basil Ekwunife, alongside other Reverend Fathers serving in various archdiocesan healthcare institutions, for their consistent support and commitment.
She acknowledged the Anyaegbunam family of Onitsha Kingdom for generously donating the land on which the hospital stands, as well as other sponsors, partners, and benefactors whose contributions have sustained the hospital over the years.
Highlighting recent achievements, she disclosed that the hospital’s Maternal and Child Health Unit has acquired two additional incubators to strengthen neonatal care. Antenatal and clinic days have also been expanded to improve access to healthcare for mothers and infants.
Other departments that have witnessed significant improvements include Internal Medicine, Surgery, Family Medicine, Ophthalmic and Optical Services, Imaging and X-ray Services, Laboratory and Diagnostic Services, Pharmaceutical Services, Dialysis Services, the Funeral Home, and several others.
Looking ahead, Pharm. Dr. Ajagu outlined proposed projects for 2026, which include furnishing and equipping the Jubilee Complex, expanding continuous outreach to underserved communities, and strengthening partnerships with donors and sponsors to ensure sustainability of services.
The Diamond Jubilee celebration took place at the hospital premises and commenced with a Holy Mass officiated by His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke.
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke recalled that the hospital was founded in 1965 by the Irish missionary priest and former Archbishop of Onitsha, Archbishop Charles Heerey. He noted that the institution played a vital role in caring for people who suffered from illness and hunger in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War.
“As we thank God for this Diamond Jubilee, we also thank those He has used to serve in this hospital—both the living and the departed. Remarkably, throughout its history, this hospital has never embarked on a strike,”
“We cannot thank you enough. Our only gift to you is prayer. Man gives awards, but God rewards,” he added.
He urged the faithful to emulate the spirit of selfless service exemplified by the missionaries, encouraging those in public service to always place the interest of others above personal gain.
In his appreciation remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Izunna Okonkwo, expressed deep gratitude to Archbishop Okeke for his unwavering support and fatherly encouragement, praying for God’s continued grace, good health, and long life upon him.
Fr. Okonkwo also extended warm welcome greetings to the numerous Catholic priests, religious, and lay faithful who honoured the hospital’s invitation. As part of the celebration, he presented gifts to retired staff members and outstanding serving staff in recognition of their dedication and to further motivate them.
Dignitaries at the event included the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Sly Ezeokenwa; the Managing Director of APAMS Limited, Dr. Sir Kevin Chukwumaobi; and several other distinguished guests.
