The Labour Party Governorship Candidate in the 2025 Anambra governorship election has hailed His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, on the occasion of the 72nd birthday of the Cleric.
In a statement personally signed by him, Moghalu described Archbishop Okeke as “a guiding light to our generation, an epitome of humility, wisdom, and devotion whose words and deeds continue to inspire faith, compassion, and service to humanity.”
He recalled the role of the Archbishop in reviving mission schools in the state and prayed for God’s blessings on him.
The full statement reads:
Today, I join millions of the faithful across Anambra State and beyond to celebrate a great servant of God, a mentor, and a father figure, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, the Archbishop of Onitsha, on the joyous occasion of his 72nd birthday anniversary.
Your Grace has remained a guiding light to our generation, an epitome of humility, wisdom, and devotion whose words and deeds continue to inspire faith, compassion, and service to humanity.
Through your visionary leadership and the Archbishop Valerian Okeke Foundation (AVOF), you have continued to transform lives and raise young ambassadors of goodwill who have represented our state and nation in countries such as Ghana. Your passion for youth empowerment, moral reawakening, and educational advancement has built bridges of opportunity and strengthened the foundation of character formation in our society.
I recall with deep admiration your historic role in the revival of mission schools in Anambra State. Your persistent advocacy led to their return to the Church during the administration of Governor Peter Obi, after which you spearheaded an era of massive reconstruction and reform. Under your watch, mission schools experienced unprecedented transformation through teacher and priest training, science competitions, reintroduction of priests as principals, and renewed emphasis on moral and religious education, initiatives that restored excellence and brought our schools to national and international recognition.
As you mark this remarkable milestone, I thank God for your life of unwavering service and spiritual leadership. I remain personally grateful for your friendship, wise counsel, and moral guidance, which continue to inspire me and many others. May the Almighty bless you with sound health, divine wisdom, and many more fruitful years in His vineyard. Happy 72nd Birthday, Your Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke.
Dr. George Moghalu
Labour Party Governorship Candidate, Anambra State