Onitsha (Anambra) – Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, the Archbishop of the Catholic Arch-Diocese of Onitsha, has predicted that 2014 will be a year full of greater achievements for the country.
Okeke said this on Christmas Day while speaking to newsmen after a mass he held at the Onitsha Prisons Chaplain, in Anambra.
He noted that Nigerians should strive to promote fairness, justice and equity to achieve the greatness God had destined for the country.
”I see hope and greater Nigeria. 2014 is very promising.
”If we do well and prepare well; we will continue to match to our promised land.
”And I know that Nigeria can be greater than what it is today; if we bring ourselves and minds together to work for the greatness of this country,” he said.
The cleric, who urged Nigerians to shun corruption, deceitful acts and terror, also said they should not make themselves security threats to their neighbourhood and country.
”Nigerians should strive to bring solution to the challenges of the country,” he said.
The archbishop noted that on Christmas Day, ” Christ is love and light that will chase away all forms of fear and horror; while bringing lasting peace to individual, community and country.
”For this sake, let all that call on His name shun all forms of wickedness, vices and greed, but rather work for the common good of mankind,” he said.
Rev. Fr. Pius Nwankwo, Chaplain in-charge of Onitsha Prisons, thanked the archbishop for coming to the prison three times this year.
Mr Azuka Ndupu, Deputy Controller of Prisons in-charge of Onitsha Prisons, thanked the archbishop for his concern for the prisons and its inmates.
”I will urge the inmates to stay here with humility and the fear of God; since your stay here is not forever. It is a temporary stay,” Ndupu said.
The archbishop donated N500,000 for the renovation of part of the prison, while promising to give more if the money was exhausted.
The items the archbishop donated to the inmates for Christmas included, cartoons of biscuits, toilet soap, laundry soap, toothpaste, pomade and detergent, among others
Also archbishop killed a cow for the inmates and gave them seven bags of rice to celebrate Christmas.
Meanwhile, the archbishop has promised to contact Gov. Peter Obi and other personalities in Onitsha to obtain a bus for the prison.
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