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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Valerian Okeke, has been named the inaugural Anambra Person of the Decade by the organisers of the Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards.
His emergence was in recognition of his extraordinary impact on faith, education, healthcare, youth development and socio-economic advancement across Anambra State.
The prestigious honour, the organisers said, is more than an award. It is a tribute to a decade of visionary leadership that has transformed lives and strengthened communities through a unique blend of spiritual guidance and practical human development.
In a nomination letter presented to the Archbishop, the organisers described him as one of the most influential figures in the state’s recent history, noting that no institution outside government has touched more lives in Anambra than the Catholic Church under his leadership.
Since assuming office as Archbishop of Onitsha in 2003, Archbishop Okeke has spearheaded an unprecedented expansion of the Archdiocese, increasing the number of parishes from 72 to more than 182 and expanding episcopal regions from four to six.
His administration also convened the first-ever Archdiocesan Synod, setting the stage for renewed evangelisation and pastoral renewal, while overseeing the elevation of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Onitsha, to the status of Nigeria’s first Basilica.
The organisers also applauded his commitment to the formation of priests, noting that the Archdiocese boasts one of Africa’s largest numbers of priests studying abroad on full scholarships, alongside robust annual retreats and pastoral formation programmes.
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Beyond the pulpit, Archbishop Okeke has left an indelible mark on education. Through the Onitsha Archdiocesan Education Secretariat, Catholic schools have consistently ranked among the best in WAEC and JAMB examinations while earning global recognition through outstanding achievements in international academic competitions.
The citation equally recognised his role in revitalising mission hospitals, including Borromeo Hospital, Holy Rosary Hospital, St Martin’s Hospital, Fatima Hospital and Immaculate Heart Hospital, significantly improving access to quality healthcare for thousands of residents.
His drive for economic empowerment has also seen the growth of Oluchukwu Microfinance Bank, investments in Oluchukwu Oil and Gas, and other ventures that have generated employment while strengthening the Church’s mission of self-reliance.
Archbishop Okeke’s investment in media evangelisation through Radio Sapientia, as well as his humanitarian outreach to prison inmates through the renovation of correctional facilities, provision of boreholes, vehicles, skill-acquisition centres and welfare support, also featured prominently in the citation.
The organisers further highlighted the Holy Family Youth Village as one of their landmark initiatives, providing young people with quality accommodation, educational support, moral formation and leadership development in a nurturing environment.
According to the organisers, Archbishop Okeke’s enduring legacy lies in his ability to combine faith with action, creating a lasting impact in evangelisation, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and social welfare.
“We believe your immense contributions to Anambra State deserve greater recognition. This honour is our way of celebrating a life devoted to service, transformation and hope,” the organisers stated.
The award makes Archbishop Okeke the first recipient of the Anambra Person of the Decade honour since the Anambra Man of the Year Awards were established in 2020, cementing his place as one of the state’s most influential and impactful leaders of the past decade.
