Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Sunday attended the 20th Priestly Anniversary of Rev. Fr. Dr. Valentine Kelechi Anyanwu, Parish Priest of Blessed Michael Tansi Catholic Parish, Aba.

The celebration, held at the parish in Aba, brought together members of the clergy, family members, parishioners, friends and other well-wishers.

Congratulating Fr. Kelechi on two decades of priestly service, Otti thanked God for his life and contributions to the Church and society, describing the priest 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,” Otti said.

The governor also commended the celebrant’s intellectual and literary contributions, noting that he had authored about 23 books since 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,” he said.

Otti described the anniversary as a celebration of two decades of devotion, sacrificial service and commitment to the Church, describing Fr. Kelechi as “a humble servant of God, an exemplary shepherd of souls, and an outstanding administrator.”

He particularly acknowledged the priest’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 and Blessed Michael Tansi Catholic Parish, both in Aba.

The governor 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 a reflection of Fr. Kelechi’s commitment to holistic evangelisation.

Otti further praised the priest’s humility, inspiring homilies and concern for the poor and vulnerable.

He prayed for continued wisdom, strength, good health and grace for Fr. Kelechi as he continues his priestly ministry.

“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,” Otti stated.

In his vote of thanks, Fr. Kelechi expressed appreciation to the governor for attending the anniversary, recalling that Otti had also attended his 10th priestly anniversary before becoming governor.

The priest jokingly expressed hope that if Otti returned for his 30th anniversary, he might do so as President.

Fr. Kelechi also commended the governor for what he described as the fulfilment of promises made to the people of Aba, particularly the reconstruction of Ohanku, Obohia and Ngwa roads.

He recalled Otti’s visit to Owerri-Aba about eight years ago, when the governor had promised to reconstruct key roads in the area, noting that the completed projects demonstrated his commitment to Aba’s development.

The highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of Fr. Kelechi’s latest book, titled Avoiding Abuses in the Liturgy of the Mass.

Among the dignitaries who attended the celebration were the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE; Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for Aba Central, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha; and other distinguished personalities.