Afam Aminu Chimezie, Onitsha
Archbishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha,Most Rev.Dr.Valerian Okeke has revealed the reason behind the formation of Archbishop Valerian Okeke Music Academy (AVOMA) which is currently making waves in the orchestra genre brand of music across the country.
The cleric made the revelation Friday during a special performance of the group to mark his twenty years Episcopal Anniversary.
The event attracted dignitaries from all walks of life including Engr.Johnbosco Onunkwo, oil and gas guru and former APC Governorship aspirant in Anambra State.
While recalling the reasons for the formation of the group shortly after paying tributes to Cardinal Francis Arinze, late Archbishop of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese and his predecessor,Most Rev.Albert Obiefuna, late Bishop Emmanuel Otteh, his family members among others, Most Rev.Dr. Okeke said he was greatly worried seeing budding talents being wasted due to lack of training and care.
He noted that the he was impressed with the discovery of musical talents among the youths and their performances and urged people to support the activities of AVOMA and other projects aimed at keeping the youths out of the streets.
Chancellor, Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, Rev.Dr.Prudentus Emeka Aroh commended the Archbishop for his love and inspiration for the youths.
He revealed that the group was founded on five grounds namely, gratitude,faith, excellence, Culture of life and Culture of Motherhood.
One of the mentors and financiers of AVOMA, Engr.Johnbosco Onunkwo thrilled the audience as he mounted the stage to perform one of the evergreen songs of the late High life maestro, Celestine Ukwu.
In an interview later, Onunkwo hinted that he was moved to do the performance to further encourage the youthful group to continue to excel in display of their God-given talents.
Engr.Onunkwo further revealed that he would have chosen to become a musician and celebrity earlier in life if not for twist of fate.
Director of the musical group, AVOMA, Rev.Fr.John Ezeanowai who extolled the qualities of the group said he was able to blend the talents together to achieve positive results because of the support and encouragement of the Founder and Archbishop of the Archdiocese, Dr.Valerian Okeke, Engr.Onunkwo and others.
He implored parents and guardians to avail their wards of the opportunity of being enlisted for music training under AVOMA.
