The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, is Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Sunday, August 23, 2026, 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 Church, and humanity.
The celebration was held at Blessed Michael Tansi Catholic Parish, Aba, and was attended by 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, describing him as a blessing to the people.
“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,” the Governor said.
He commended Fr. Kelechi for his intellectual and literary contributions, noting that the priest has authored about 23 books since the year 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,” Governor Otti said. He urged those who had received copies of the celebrant’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,” commending Fr. Kelechi as “a humble servant of God, an exemplary shepherd of souls, and an outstanding administrator.”
Governor Otti particularly acknowledged Fr. Kelechi’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.
The State Chief Executive also 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 the priest’s foresight and commitment to holistic evangelization.
The Governor further praised Fr. Kelechi’s simple and unassuming disposition, his inspiring homilies, and his love for the poor and vulnerable. He prayed that God would continue to grant him wisdom, renewed strength, good health, and increased grace in his priestly ministry.
Governor Otti thanked the celebrant, his family and parish community for the invitation, and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to join them in celebrating 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.
In his vote of thanks, Rev. Fr. Dr. Kelechi expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for attending the celebration. He recalled that the Governor had also attended his 10th priestly anniversary before becoming Governor, and has now returned to celebrate with him at his 20th anniversary as Governor.
In a light-hearted remark, he joked that if the Governor returned for his 30th anniversary, “he may be a President.” He recalled how, in the past, parishioners would prepare for a Governor’s visit by ensuring that hawkers were kept away and by appealing to members of the congregation not to insult the Governor, even when they disagreed with him.
He said the atmosphere has changed, as people now look forward to the Governor’s visits and would even wish for him to remain in office for 40 years.
Fr. Kelechi further commended Governor Otti for fulfilling promises made to the people of Aba. He recalled the Governor’s visit to Owerri-Aba about eight years ago when he promised to reconstruct key roads. He noted that Ohanku Road, Obohia Road and Ngwa Road have since been completed, describing the projects as evidence of the Governor’s commitment to the development of Aba and its people.
The highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of Fr. Dr. Kelechi Anyanwu’s latest book titled: Avoiding Abuses in the Liturgy of the Mass.
Present at the anniversary celebration were the Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE; Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for Aba Central, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha; and other distinguished personalities.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
August 23, 2026.
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