The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, yesterday, celebrated their Bishop,
Most Reverend Hilliary Odili Okeke who clocked seventy-three years.

ABS correspondent, Chimezie Umeh, who was on ground at Nnewi reports that the entire premises of Blessed Iwene Tansi Priest Centre Nnewi was filled to capacity as the clergy and the faithful came out en mass to celebrate their father in the Lord and faith.

This year is also marking Bishop Odili Okeke’s forty-six years in
priesthood and eighteen years as a Bishop as he was ordained catholic
priest in 1974 and Bishop in 2002.

In his homily, during the Mass that preceded the occasion, Rev Monsignor Hypolitus Adigwe, who is in charge of Evangelisation in
Nnewi Catholic Diocese thanked God for the gift of life to Most Reverend Odili Okeke, whom the faithful in the diocese refer to as “Nnaora.”

Monsignor Adigwe enjoined everyone to continue praying for their
parents especially on their birthdays.

Responding, News the celebrant, Most Rev
Hilary Okeke thanked God for the gift of life and for celebrating with St Agnes a martyr and Virgin whose feast was also celebrated across
the world, yesterday.

He promised to always pray for his mother as instructed by Monsignor Adigwe.

Very Rev Fr Hyginus Aghaulo, who is the Diocesan Chancellor, Nnewi Diocese, thanked everyone for coming.

Many dignitaries present during the occasion include the Governor of
Anambra State, and Knight Commander, Order of St Gregory, Chief Willie Obiano, Anambra State APGA Party chairman, Sir Norbert Obi,
Commissioner for Information, Chief C. Don Adinubà, and Nnewi North local government Transition chairman, Prince Chukwudi Orizu, among others..