Fr. Agba Celebrates Archbishop Okeke at 73, Hails Him as Gift to the Church

Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Maduka Agba

By Polycarp Ifeanyi

The Parish Priest of SS John & Paul Parish, Iba Pope, Awada, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Maduka Agba, has felicitated with the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday, describing him as a gift to the Church and a shepherd after God’s own heart.

Fr. Agba, who conveyed the felicitations on behalf of the Parish Vicar, priests-in-residence and the entire parishioners of the parish popularly known as the “Rome of Africa,” made the remarks in a goodwill message jointly signed by the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, Chief (Mayor) Okey Nwangwu, and the Secretary, Mrs. Augustina Ibe.

He described Archbishop Okeke as a gift to the Archdiocese of Onitsha, noting that his visionary leadership, uncommon humility and deep spirituality had continued to transform the Archdiocese and strengthen the faith of the people.

“On behalf of the entire priests and faithful of SS John & Paul Parish, Iba Pope, we heartily rejoice with our father, our shepherd and our Archbishop, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke, as he marks 73 years of impactful life on earth.
“His life of selfless service, love for the poor and commitment to evangelisation remains an inspiration to us,” Fr. Agba stated.

The parish priest particularly commended the Archbishop for his special love and concern for prisoners and other vulnerable members of society, describing his commitment to the welfare of the less privileged as a notable example of Christian love and compassion.

He cited Archbishop Okeke’s consistent practice of celebrating his birthdays at the Onitsha Correctional Centre as a practical demonstration of his concern for inmates and the downtrodden.

According to Fr. Agba, the Archbishop’s dedication to the spiritual and material well-being of the faithful, alongside his compassion for the disadvantaged, has continued to inspire priests and parishioners within the Archdiocese and beyond.

He prayed that Almighty God would continue to bless Archbishop Okeke with good health, divine wisdom, renewed strength and long life as he continues to shepherd the Church of God in the Archdiocese of Onitsha and the wider Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province.

Fr. Agba also expressed the hope that the Archbishop would continue to enjoy God’s abundant grace as he sustains his commitment to evangelisation, pastoral leadership and service to humanity.