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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
For his outstanding contributions to evangelisation, spiritual development, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and socio-economic development in Anambra State, the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Reverend Valerian Maduka Okeke, was, recently, honoured with the prestigious Anambra Person of the Decade award at the fifth edition of the Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards.
The event, themed “Unstoppable Anambra,” was held at the Stanel Dome, Awka, Anambra State, last weekend, amid pomp and pageantry.
Presenting the award, chairman on the occasion, Prof. Joe Ezigbo, described Archbishop Okeke as a truly exceptional leader whose impact transcends generations. He noted that the honour was unprecedented, adding that it had never been conferred on anyone, living or dead.
Earlier in his address, Ezigbo stressed that the AMTY Awards represent far more than plaques and certificates, describing them as society’s recognition of individuals whose excellence and services have transformed lives.
He said the event celebrates outstanding men and women from diverse fields, including education, business, finance, manufacturing, law, medicine, governance, entrepreneurship, technology, entertainment, philanthropy, and religion.
He said every progressive society thrives because of people who choose to solve problems rather than complain about them, adding that Anambra’s educational advancement and economic growth are products of visionary individuals committed to raising standards and creating opportunities.
Ordained a Catholic priest on July 11, 1981, Archbishop Val Okeke was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Onitsha on November 28, 2001 and consecrated on February 9, 2002. He formally succeeded the late Archbishop Albert Obiefuna as Archbishop of Onitsha on September 1, 2003.
Over the years, Archbishop Okeke has received numerous honours, including recognition as Grand Patron of the Correctional Centre Inmates in Nigeria, owing to his prison apostolate and various rehabilitation efforts and support to the Onitsha Correctional Centre.
Receiving the award, Archbishop Okeke expressed profound appreciation to the organisers, describing the honour as deeply personal because of its focus on his lifelong commitment to young people and vulnerable members of society.
“It is my privilege to receive this honour from this group. I have received many awards and, in some cases, I was unable to attend but sent my appreciation. However, when this one came, I was deeply touched because it recognises what I have been doing for the youth, children, prisoners, men and women, as well as the less privileged and downtrodden,” he said.
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He added that the recognition would inspire him to do even more.
“I dedicate this award to the youth of Anambra State and Nigeria. I pledge to go out of my way to do more for their benefit and for the good of humanity.”
Offering prayers for the nation, the Archbishop said: “My prayer is for the welfare of our people, especially the young ones, born and unborn. My prayer is that tomorrow will be better. God has not finished with us. Nothing is impossible with God. Things are difficult and challenging, but I assure you that God has not abandoned us. I will continue to pray and work until you see a better tomorrow.”
Addressing journalists after the ceremony, the member representing Onitsha South I Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Fred Chigozie Ezenwa, congratulated Archbishop Okeke on the recognition.
He described the Archbishop as a dedicated servant of God whose remarkable achievements within the Onitsha Archdiocese and across Anambra State made him deserving of the prestigious honour.
Other recipients at the event included Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Umuoji, which won Best Public School of the Year; St. John Vianney Science College, Igbariam, named Best Private School of the Year; and Rev. Fr. Gabriel Alochionye, Manager of St. Charles College, Onitsha, who received the Best School Administrator of the Year award.
Manager of Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Rev. Fr. (Dr) Francis Onwuchulum, while expressing delight over the recognition accorded to the school, described the development as “an honour that inspires us”
“We are delighted to announce that Mater Amabilis Secondary School, Umuoji was recognised as the Best Public Secondary School in Anambra State (2025), at the 5th edition of the prestigious Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards.
“As a Catholic public mission school, this recognition strengthens our resolve to continue providing holistic education rooted in faith, discipline, excellence, and service.We also celebrate our Proprietor, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, on his well-deserved recognition as the Person of the Decade during the same award ceremony. Immense thanks to the organisers for the good job they are doing. May God continue to bless Anambra State” Fr. Onwuchulum stated.
Archbishop Okeke attended the event alongside senior clergy and officials of the Onitsha Archdiocese, including the Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Prudentus Emeka Aroh; Financial Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Philip Ibeneme; Director of Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. George Adimike; Deputy Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Samuel Nwankwo; as well as other priests, friends, and well-wishers.
