Fr George Adimike
The Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, has visited the riverine community of Ogwuikpele as part of his pastoral mission to reach out to the faithful and strengthen them in the Catholic faith, demonstrating his commitment as a shepherd who goes in search of his flock, wherever they may be.
During the visit, the Archbishop, described as being “hungry for souls,” reminded the people that there is no stranger in the house of God, stressing that God’s love, mercy and offer of salvation are universal and exclude no one who approaches Him with faith, humility and a sincere desire to do His will. He, however, emphasised that receiving God’s grace calls for a corresponding commitment to faithfulness, obedience to God’s commandments and a life ordered according to His will.
Archbishop Okeke encouraged the people of Ogwuikpele to remain steadfast in their faith, noting that faith is the doorway to divine favour and that, although it is often tested by the challenges of life, Christians are called to persevere rather than abandon their trust in God. He assured them that God has not abandoned them and can never abandon them, despite the difficult circumstances and hardships they may face, urging them to remain confident in His providence and steadfast in their faith.
He further urged the people not to use whatever blessings or privileges they have received from God to oppress or exploit others, but to become instruments of God’s love and justice in their community. According to him, God’s blessings are not distributed on the basis of discrimination, and all who are just, fair and receptive to His grace are beneficiaries of His love. The Archbishop also placed particular emphasis on humility, explaining that salvation is not achieved through personal power or human might but is a gratuitous gift from God, which must therefore be received with faith and humility.
Ogwuikpele is a riverine community situated at the borders of Anambra, Delta and Rivers States and is inaccessible by road, especially during rainy season, leaving residents dependent on waterways for transportation and access to essential services. Despite being an oil-producing community, the town has, for years, faced significant neglect and infrastructural deprivation.
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