![Archbishop Okeke @ 70 Pays Bills Worth Millions Of Naira in Catholic, Anglican Hospitals [Photos]](https://i0.wp.com/www.primebusiness.africa/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Picsart_23-11-14_15-53-35-446-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C2560&ssl=1)
AdminIn his usual philanthropic disposition the Archbishop of Onitsha Catholic Diocese, Most Rev Valerian Maduka Okeke, as part of his 70th birthday celebration, visited some Catholic and Anglican hospitals in Anambra State on Tuesday, 14 November 2023 where he prayed for the sick and offered money running in millions of naira to settle hospital bills.
According to the Diocesan Director of Social Communication, Rev. Fr. George Adimike, the Archbishop visited Iyienu Mission Hospital, Ogidi, St Charles Borromeo Catholic Hospital, Onitsha and Federal Medical Centre, Onitsha.
This gesture which was in thanksgiving to God for his 70th birthday, helped to create physical relief for the beneficiaries of his charity donation at a time when many are having difficulty taking care of their medical expenses due to economic hardship.
Accompanied by a delegation of clergy, including Vicar General Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Okafor, Chancellor Rev. Fr. Prudentius Aroh, Vice Chancellor and Health Coordinator Rev. Fr. Basil Ekwunife, Communications Director and Chief of Protocol to the Archbishop, Rev. Fr. George Adimike, and Episcopal Vicar of Onitsha Fr. Victor Mbanuisi, among others, the Archbishop visited Iyienu Mission Hospital, Ogidi, St Charles Borromeo Catholic Hospital, Onitsha and Federal Medical Centre, Onitsha.
Some EXCO members of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) and Catholic Men Organization (CMO) also joined the archbishop in the visit.
The charity mission commenced at Iyienu Mission Hospital of the Diocese of the Niger (Anglican Communion), where Archbishop Okeke was warmly received by the Priest manager, Rev. Canon Toochukwu Okwuchukwu. The archbishop and his entourage proceeded to the Female ward, where he prayed for divine healing upon the patients. Demonstrating his immense generosity, Archbishop Okeke covered the hospital bills amounting to millions of naira for three female patients who could not afford the expenses. He extended his benevolence to the chest pain ward, where he offered prayers and covered the medical expenses of another indigent patient.
In expressing gratitude, the priest manager acknowledged the universality of illness, irrespective of ethnic and religious denominations, and commended the archbishop for his compassionate initiative.
Watch video of the visit:
READ ALSO: Archbishop Valerian Okeke And Seventy Phenomenal Years
Here are also photos of the visit to Iyienu Mision Hospital, Ogidi in Anambra State:
Subsequently, the archbishop visited St Charles Borromeo Hospital, Onitsha, where he was welcomed by the priest manager and his assistants, Rev Frs. Izunna Okonkwo and Emmanuel Ndulue. Archbishop Okeke prayed for the swift recovery of the patients and, through Chancellor Fr. Prudentius Aroh, announced that he had covered the hospital bills for three patients—a 9-year-old accident victim, a fire burn victim, and a post-surgery patient.
The final leg of the hospital visitation took the archbishop and his team to the Federal Medical Center Onitsha, where they were warmly received by Managing Director Dr. Mercy Anugwu. The Vicar General of the archdiocese, Fr. Johnbosco Okafor, spoke about the archbishop’s mission. He prayed for the patients and generously paid the hospital bills for five patients facing financial challenges. Dr. Anugwu expressed her appreciation for the gesture by presenting a letter of gratitude to the Archbishop.
READ ALSO: ARCHBISHOP OKEKE: Anambra Mission Schools Now Role Models For Excellence, Discipline
These hospital visits and payment of bills worth millions of Naira underscore Archbishop Okeke’s commitment to unity and the common good, as he extends his care to the sick and indigent patients without regard for ethnic or religious affiliations.
In the coming week, the archbishop plans to further demonstrate his commitment to community welfare by providing money and food for 2300 families across various regions within the archdiocese.
This ongoing series of charitable acts stands as a testament to Archbishop Okeke’s dedication to the well-being of his community, reflecting the true spirit of love, compassion, and unity.
Follow Us