Eche Nwaobasi
Nnewi.
Mr Joseph Osifo, the Controller of Nigeria Correctional Centre Anambra State, has extolled the constant magnamity of the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Valerian Okeke. He also praised Archbishop’s passion to better the condition of the poor and oppressed in society and described him as a rare gift to humanity.
Making this assertion while speaking during the 71years birthday celebration anniversary of the Archbishop held at onitsha correctional centre last weekend Saturday, Osifo recounted numerous projects done for the onitsha correctional centre by the Archbishop which includes a modern multi-million skills acquisition centre, initiation of various educational programs for inmates which has resulted in the correctional centre been selected as one of examination centres for GCE, SSCE centre for all inmates in Nigeria, constant donation of foods, medical items, provision of Medicare to indigent inmates as well as free access to justice which has helped so many inmates to obtain freedom, etc, noting that the archbishop has shown an examplary passion for humanity which is worthy of emulation just as he urged other men of God as well as other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the man of God by indentifying with anything that will positively affect the welfare of ordinary Nigerians to complement efforts of the government.
Earlier while delivering the homily during the celebration of a mass to mark the occasion where he also confered sacrament of confirmation to five inmates of the correctional centre, Archbishop Okeke has highlighted the importance of every man created by God to show gratitude to him for what he has done in their lives adding that he is celebrating the occasion to show gratitude to God for his guidance and mercies in his ministry and his life.
While tasking every body on the need for them to show gratitude to God, he urges inmates of the correctional centre as well as all Nigerians to always trust and believe God to help them stressing that God is ever able to change any condition to better.
Highlights of the occasion were cultural dances and football competitions by inmates of the correctional centre.