(DDM) – The 72nd birthday celebration of His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan, has turned into a moment of moral and political reflection in Anambra State, drawing praise, emotion, and renewed calls for values-based leadership.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the felicitation message from John Chuma Nwosu (JCN), the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate, has gone viral online after he described Archbishop Okeke as “a moral compass whose life defines true leadership rooted in faith, compassion, and integrity.”
In his statement, Nwosu said Archbishop Okeke’s unwavering devotion to God and humanity remains one of the greatest examples of service in Nigeria today.
He noted that the Archbishop’s humility, guidance, and wisdom have not only inspired the Catholic faithful but also provided direction for political and community leaders seeking to build a more just and progressive society.
According to Nwosu, Archbishop Okeke’s leadership symbolizes the kind of moral rebirth Anambra needs, a leadership anchored in compassion, faith, and integrity rather than greed and division.
“The life of His Grace continues to stand as a shining example of the kind of selfless leadership our people deserve,” Nwosu said.
“It is this same spirit of humility and faith that inspires my commitment to serve under the African Democratic Congress, to build a better future for our state.”
DDM reports that Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke, who became the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha in 2003, has been widely celebrated across the Catholic community for his discipline, pastoral outreach, and human development initiatives.
His projects include the Onitsha Archdiocesan Hospital expansion, the evangelization and education programs that have produced some of Nigeria’s top young clergy, and his continuous advocacy for peace and moral renewal.
Observers note that Nwosu’s message goes beyond birthday greetings, it serves as a subtle political statement, blending spiritual reverence with a call for moral reform in Anambra’s leadership culture.
Political analysts say the ADC candidate’s tone reflects a growing trend among young Nigerian politicians who seek to align governance with ethics and spirituality, contrasting sharply with the corruption and impunity that have long plagued the political space.
Across Anambra, the Archbishop’s birthday has sparked conversations about leadership standards, with residents on social media commending both Okeke’s exemplary service and Nwosu’s message of respect and reform.
As birthday tributes continue to pour in, the event has become more than a clerical celebration, it has evolved into a symbolic call for moral rebirth, accountable leadership, and the rediscovery of values that unite faith and governance.
