With hearts full of gratitude to Almighty God, the Catholic faithful around the world joyfully celebrate the 80th birthday of His Grace, Archbishop Anthony John Valentine Obinna, the first Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Owerri. This remarkable milestone is an occasion to thank God for a life dedicated to His service and for decades of faithful, courageous, and exemplary leadership in the Church.
Born on June 26, 1946, in Emekukwu, Imo State, Nigeria, Archbishop Obinna embraced God’s call to the priesthood from an early age. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1972 and faithfully served the Diocese of Owerri with unwavering dedication. In 1993, Pope St. John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Owerri, and following the elevation of the Diocese of Owerri to an archdiocese, he became its first Archbishop on March 26, 1994. He faithfully shepherded the Archdiocese of Owerri until his retirement on March 6, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and pastoral excellence.
Throughout his ministry, Archbishop Obinna distinguished himself as a courageous preacher of the Gospel, a defender of truth and justice, and a compassionate shepherd devoted to the spiritual growth of God’s people. His commitment to evangelization, Catholic education, priestly and religious vocations, and the moral teachings of the Church has had a lasting impact on the Catholic Church in Nigeria and beyond.
As he celebrates eight decades of God’s abundant blessings, we thank the Lord for preserving his life, strengthening his ministry, and using him as an instrument of peace, hope, and spiritual renewal. His wisdom, humility, and steadfast faith continue to inspire bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful across generations.
On this joyous occasion of his 80th birthday, we pray that Almighty God will continue to bless Archbishop Obinna with good health, renewed strength, serenity, and many more years filled with His grace. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide him, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, always intercede for him.
Happy 80th Birthday, Your Grace!
May the Lord richly reward your decades of faithful service to His Church and grant you continued joy, peace, and abundant blessings.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23