Championing Hope: Nwakuche Praises Okeke’s Support for Inmates, Seeks Prayers
By Polycarp Ifeanyi
The Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCOS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has appreciated the magnanimous act of the Catholic Archbishop of the Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, toward the inmates of the Onitsha Correctional Services.
He made the commendation during a pastoral visit by Archbishop Okeke to Saint Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy, Onitsha Correctional Services, during the Easter celebration.
Nwakuche, who was represented by the Anambra State Controller of Correctional Services, Anselm Ike, recognized Archbishop Okeke’s significant contributions to the well-being of inmates in the correctional center and beyond, stating that the prelate has done remarkably well in repositioning the Onitsha Correctional Services.
The prison boss further solicited Archbishop Okeke to remember him in his prayers, just as he prays for others, while praising him for all his achievements in the custodial center.
It would be recalled that His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, has consistently celebrated his Christmas, Easter, and birthday with inmates of the Onitsha Correctional Services throughout his years of episcopacy.
In his homily titled “Understanding the Resurrection,” Archbishop Okeke explained that the victory of Jesus Christ through His resurrection from death is the victory of all mankind.
He recalled that after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Peter entered His tomb, found nothing, and became confused. He added that the Apostles of Jesus Christ did not understand that He had risen until the Holy Spirit descended upon them on Pentecost.
“God opened the eyes of the Apostles, and they understood that Christ had risen. However, one of the Apostles, Thomas, doubted until he put his hand into the wound of Jesus Christ and confirmed that it was true,” Archbishop Okeke said.
“Do not be among those who say, ‘Until I see, I cannot believe.’ Be a believer. Until the power of the Resurrection descended on the Apostles, the truth was still unfolding,” he added.
Appreciating his guests, the Chaplain of Saint Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Okpalaugo, described Archbishop Okeke as a great father of the prison yard, eulogizing him for his achievements and praising God for using him in the correctional center.
Fr. Okpalaugo noted that the Onitsha Correctional Services is privileged to be the only place Archbishop Okeke visits three times every year, stressing that inmates are always certain to benefit in one way or another whenever he visits.
The cleric also extolled all the priests, religious, and dignitaries who graced the event.
In his remark, Archbishop Okeke assured the Controller-General of his prayers, emphasizing that whether requested or not, he would continue to pray for him and others as the Grand Patron of Nigerian prisoners.
Items presented to the inmates included assorted toothpaste, tissue paper, toothbrushes, assorted biscuits, live cows, cooked rice, laundry soap, Easter cakes, among others.
