Owerri Archdiocese Honours Emekuku-Born Archbishop Obinna at 80
The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri is set to celebrate the life, ministry and enduring legacy of Archbishop Emeritus Anthony John Valentine (J.V.) Obinna as the revered cleric marks his 80th birthday on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The celebration, themed “Celebrating a Legacy of Faith,” will take place at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with bishops, priests, religious leaders, government officials and members of the the faithful expected to gather in honour of one of Nigeria’s most influential Catholic churchmen.
Archbishop Obinna, a native of Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, is widely regarded as one of the most prominent Catholic leaders to have emerged from southeastern Nigeria, having dedicated decades of his life to pastoral service, evangelisation, education and moral leadership.
Organised by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, the event seeks to celebrate not only the Archbishop Emeritus’ milestone age but also his far-reaching contributions to the growth of the Catholic Church in Nigeria and beyond.
According to details contained in the official programme flyer released by the archdiocese, the celebration will be hosted by His Grace, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Owerri.
The theme of the celebration, “A Legacy of Faith,” reflects Archbishop Obinna’s decades-long commitment to priestly service and his enduring influence on generations of clergy, religious and lay faithful.
Ordained a priest in 1969 and later appointed Archbishop of Owerri, Obinna became known for his strong advocacy on issues of faith, education, morality and social justice, earning respect both within ecclesiastical circles and the wider Nigerian society.
For many Catholics within the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province and beyond, the celebration represents more than a birthday commemoration; it is an opportunity to reflect on a lifetime of spiritual leadership, sacrifice and service to humanity.
The event is expected to draw attendees from across the country, including bishops, priests, religious congregations, traditional rulers, public office holders and members of the the laity, all coming together to honour a cleric whose ministry has left an indelible mark on the religious and social landscape of Nigeria.
As the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri prepares to celebrate Archbishop Obinna’s eight decades of life, the occasion stands as a testament to a legacy built on faith, service and unwavering dedication to the Church.
