The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev Valerian Maduka Okeke has celebrated 2026 Easter with Inmates in Onitsha Correctional center.
The event that took place St Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy inside the correctional center attracted large numbers of Catholic and non-Catholic faithful.
Delivering homily in a holy mass officiated by the Archbishop to mark the event on the topic: "Understanding The Resurrection", the prelate charged Christians not to be like Thomas who could not believe with faith but insisted in seeing before believing.
He said the resurrection of Jesus Christ marks the victory for all mankind, noting that those who believe with faith in the Christ resurrection shall be blessed. Archbishop Okeke prayed for all Christians that believed with faith that as Apostles rollout stones from the tomb of Jesus Christ so shall their obstacles be rolled out in their lives.
In his speech, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, represented by Anambra state Controller of Corrections, Anselm Ike commended the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, for his consistent acts of generosity and love towards inmates of the Onitsha Correctional Centre.
The controller general acknowledged the significant contributions of the Prelate to the welfare of inmates, noting that the Onitsha Archdiocesan Chief Shepherd has played a remarkable role in repositioning the correctional facility.
He further appealed to the Archbishop to remember him in prayers, just as he does for others, while praising his numerous achievements in the custodial centre.
Nwakuche recalled that Archbishop Okeke has consistently celebrated Christmas, Easter, and even his birthdays with inmates since the early years of his episcopal
In his own remarks, the Chaplain of St. Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Okpalaugo, described Archbishop Okeke as a divine gift to mankind, father to the inmates, commending his unwavering support and commitment to their wellbeing.
He noted that the Onitsha Correctional Centre is privileged to receive the Archbishop at least three times every year, adding that inmates always look forward to his visits due to the benefits they derive.
Fr. Okpalaugo also appreciated the priests, religious, and dignitaries who attended the event.
Responding, Archbishop Okeke assured the Controller-General of his prayers, emphasising that he remains committed to praying for him and others in his capacity as Grand Patron of Nigerian prisoners.
Items distributed to the inmates during the visit included assorted toothpaste, tissue paper, toothbrushes, biscuits, a live cow, cooked rice, laundry soap, Easter cakes, among others.