A Life in the
Lord's Vineyard

His Grace Most Reverend Valerian Maduka Okeke is the fifth Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, one of the oldest and most venerable local Churches in Nigeria. Born on the twentieth day of October in the year of Our Lord MCMLIII(1953) in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, his life and ministry have been shaped by a deep love for the Eucharist and for the faithful of the Church.

His early education began at St. Anthony's Catholic School, Umudioka, and St. Gabriel's Catholic School, Ifitedunu (1959–1966). Secondary schooling at Christ the King College, Onitsha was interrupted by the Nigerian Civil War. Through the inspiration of then Monsignor Emmanuel Otteh — later Emeritus Bishop of Issele-Uku — he continued his studies at All Hallows' Seminary, Onitsha.

He pursued Philosophical Studies (1975–1977) and Theological Studies (1977–1981) at Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu and Ikot Ekpene respectively. He was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on 11 July MCMLXXXI(1981) by Most Rev. (now Cardinal) Francis Arinze, then Archbishop of Onitsha, and served as Assistant Priest of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Onitsha (1981–1982) and Parish Priest of Umuoji (1983–1986).

From 1986 to 1991 he pursued further studies at the Alfonsiana in Rome, where he earned a doctorate in Moral Theology. He also holds diplomas in Italian, French, and German, as well as a Diploma in Journalism. On his return he taught Moral Theology and Ethics at Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu, and served as its Rector from 1996 until his episcopal appointment.

Appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Onitsha on 9 November MMI(2001), he was consecrated on 9 February MMII(2002) by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Osbaldo Padilla. He took over the Metropolitan See of Onitsha on 1 September MMIII(2003), and has since led the Archdiocese with a pastoral ministry marked by annual pastoral letters, renewed emphasis on vocations, catechesis, and the dignity of the family.