Governor Otti Celebrates Fr. Kelechi Anyanwu At 20th Priestly Anniversary
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Sunday attended the 20th Priestly Anniversary celebration of Rev. Fr. Dr. Valentine Kelechi Anyanwu, Parish Priest of Blessed Michael Tansi Catholic Parish, Aba.
The Governor congratulated Fr. Kelechi on two decades of dedicated service to God, the Catholic Church and humanity, describing the priest as a blessing to the people of Abia State.
The anniversary celebration, held at Blessed Michael Tansi Catholic Parish, Aba, attracted members of the clergy, family members, parishioners, friends and other well-wishers.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti thanked God for Fr. Kelechi’s life and ministry, commending his contributions to the Church and society.
«“I would like to use the opportunity to congratulate Father Kelechi Anyanwu on his 20th priestly ordination. We thank God for his life, thank God for what He's doing with him, and thank God for the blessings that he has been to our people.”»
Governor Otti also commended the celebrant for his intellectual and literary contributions, noting that he had authored about 23 books since 2000.
“For you to write, that means you must read. If you don't read, you cannot write. So Father, thank you for blessing us with your knowledge and your wisdom,” the Governor said, while encouraging those who received copies of Fr. Kelechi’s latest book to read and engage with its contents.
The Governor described the anniversary as a fitting celebration of two decades of “unflinching devotion, sacrificial service, and faithful labour in the Lord's vineyard,” describing Fr. Kelechi as “a humble servant of God, an exemplary shepherd of souls, and an outstanding administrator.”
He specifically acknowledged the priest’s service as Director of Sacred Liturgy and Protocols of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, as well as his pastoral leadership at St. Joseph’s Parish, Aba, and Blessed Michael Tansi Catholic Parish, Aba.
Governor Otti further highlighted the establishment, equipping and commissioning of the Blessed Michael Tansi Jubilee Hospital, describing it as the first parish-owned hospital in the Catholic Diocese of Aba and an enduring testament to Fr. Kelechi’s foresight and commitment to holistic evangelisation.
He also praised the priest’s simple and unassuming disposition, inspiring homilies and love for the poor and vulnerable, praying that God would continue to grant him wisdom, renewed strength, good health and abundant grace in his priestly ministry.
The Governor thanked Fr. Kelechi, his family and the parish community for the invitation, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to join them in marking the milestone.
“On behalf of my family, friends, the Government and good people of Abia State, I warmly congratulate you on this memorable occasion. Congratulations and happy Twentieth Priestly Ordination Anniversary, Father,” Governor Otti stated.
Fr. Kelechi Commends Otti’s Development Efforts in Aba
In his vote of thanks, Rev. Fr. Dr. Kelechi Anyanwu expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for honouring his invitation and attending the celebration.
He recalled that Governor Otti had also attended his 10th priestly anniversary before becoming Governor and had now returned to celebrate his 20th anniversary as Governor.
In a light-hearted remark, Fr. Kelechi joked that if Governor Otti returned for his 30th anniversary, “he may be a President.”
The priest recalled how parishioners previously had to make special preparations whenever a Governor visited, including ensuring that hawkers were kept away and appealing to members of the congregation not to insult the Governor, even when they disagreed with him.
He said the situation had changed, noting that people now look forward to the Governor’s visits and would even wish for him to remain in office for 40 years.
Fr. Kelechi also commended Governor Otti for fulfilling promises made to the people of Aba.
Recalling the Governor’s visit to Owerri-Aba about eight years ago, when he promised to reconstruct key roads, the priest noted that Ohanku Road, Obohia Road and Ngwa Road had since been completed.
He described the projects as evidence of Governor Otti’s commitment to the development of Aba and the wellbeing of its people.
The highlight of the anniversary was the unveiling of Fr. Dr. Kelechi Anyanwu’s latest book, titled Avoiding Abuses in the Liturgy of the Mass.
Among the dignitaries present were the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE; Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for Aba Central, Senator Darlington Nwokocha; members of the clergy; and other distinguished personalities.
