REV. FR. (DR.) VALENTINE OBEMEATA ANAWEOKHAI.
Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Valentine Obemeata Anaweokhai, Ph.D. (EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT), is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, ordained on 24th September 2005. Formed at St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year and All‑Saints Major Seminary.
EARLY LIFE, FAMILY, AND EDUCATION
Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Valentine Obemeata Anaweokhai was born on 16th February 1979 to the family of the late Chief and Mrs. Vital Anaweokhai from Ogbona in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Each of his names holds a special meaning: Valentine (An agent of God’s love) Obemeata (they speak only of my weakness), Anaweokhai (oasis of succour and wisdom ) As the fourth *and last Son and last born* of nine children, he grew up with three brothers and five sisters in a devoted Catholic household in Edo State.
His upbringing was shaped by his father’s strong discipline and his mother’s guidance as a school teacher, both of which instilled in him values of integrity, uprightness, and service. *Prior to his Birth Bishop Kelly of the then Benin Diocese told his Father that he will give birth to a Son who will be a Priest (as at this time hos dad already had 3 Sons, which his dad told the Bishop but he insisted our dad will give birth to another Son) hence the large family.*
On the day of his birth, a Filipino medical doctor who delivered him *also* reportedly prophesied that the newborn would become a priest of the Most High God. Confirming the earlier prophecy of Bishop Kelly many years before his birth
This prophecy and the profound meanings of his names have followed him throughout his life, guiding his mission and calling by God.Rev Fr. Valentine’s earliest encounter with the liturgy and priestly ministry came as an altar server at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ogbona. The demands and rhythms of parish life, combined with the inspiring example of priests such as the late Very Rev. Fr. Leo Irabor nurtured a deep, vocational longing. By his adolescence, he had determined to pursue the priesthood.
CAREER AND ACHIEVEMENT
In 1997, through the Archdiocese of Benin City under the late Archbishop Patrick E. Ekpu, Valentine began formal formation at the St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year, Ekpoma, and subsequently entered All-Saints Catholic Major Seminary, Uhele-Ekpoma. Seminary life. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at the University of Benin in 2002. He earned a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome, in 2005. On 24th September, 2005, he was ordained to the priesthood by Most Rev. Gabriel G. Dunia at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi, and began his priestly ministry in the Diocese of Auchi.
He has served as assistant parish priest, school principal, cathedral administrator, and chaplain to the Knights of St. John, and is currently the parish priest of SS. Joachim & Anne, Ososo.
He is also certified in trauma-informed pastoral counselling and compassion fatigue therapy, with specialist training from Divine Mercy University and ICSEAR.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma 2009.
Master of Educational Management (M.Ed.), Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma — 2013.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Management, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma — 2024.
Member, The Green Cross Academy of Traumatology (GCAT), USA — 2022
Member, Pan‑African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network, USA — 2022
Fellow, Institute of Professional Managers & Administrators of Nigeria (IPMA) — 2022
Doctoral Fellow, Institute of Professional Managers & Administrators of Nigeria (IPMA) — 2025
Certified Compassion Fatigue Therapist, Educator and Practitioner; Stress Management Specialist; Traumatologist (special interest: child and adolescent trauma, complex trauma, disaster, stress and field traumatology), Center for Trauma & Resiliency Studies, Divine Mercy University, Virginia, USA.
Certified — Counsellor, Mental Health in Pastoral Counselling (MPC), Initiative for Community Sex Education & Addiction Rehabilitation (ICSEAR) Global Academy Enugu — 2024
Certificate — Sexual Health & Addiction Rehabilitation Counsellor (SARC), ICSEAR Global Academy, Enugu — 2024
PASTORAL AND PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
Since his ordination, Fr. Valentine has held a variety of pastoral and educational appointments across the Diocese of Auchi:
Assistant Parish Priest, St. Philip Catholic Church, Jattu-Uzairue (2005–2008)
Assistant Parish Priest, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Afashio-Afowa-Uzairue (2008–2010)
School Principal, St. Philip Secondary School, Jattu (2007–2010)
Cathedral Administrator, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi (2010–2019)
Chaplain to the Knights of St. John International, Catholic Diocese of Auchi (2006–2019).
Sabbatical: Archdiocese of Chicago, Illinois, USA (2020–2021)
Parish Priest, SS. Joachim & Anne Catholic Church, Ososo (2021–present).
INTEREST AND SKILLS
Rev.Fr. Valentine’s pastoral focus centres on counselling and trauma-informed care, especially for children, adolescents, and communities affected by complex trauma and disaster.
PROFESSIONAL BODIES
He is trained in compassion fatigue therapy and stress management.
He is a member of professional bodies that support trauma care and pastoral theology.
His qualifications also position him to lead and advise on educational management within Church-run institutions.
TRAITS AND HOBBIES
Known for a reflective and disciplined character formed by a strong family ethic and priestly formation, Fr. Valentine is also a teacher and writer.
He enjoys reading and writing and takes pleasure in sport, particularly lawn tennis and table tennis.
He is committed to lifelong formation, pastoral counselling, and the holistic wellbeing of the communities he serves.
LEGACY
Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Valentine Obemeata Anaweokhai continues to serve faithfully in the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, integrating pastoral care, educational leadership, and trauma-informed counselling His life and ministry are marked by a resolve to bring consolation, wisdom, and practical support to those entrusted to his care—truly embodying the meaning of his family name as an oasis of succour and wisdom.
He remains committed to educational leadership, pastoral care, and the holistic well-being of his community.
Committed to lifelong learning and to serving the church and community. while enriching was rigorous; the discipline and values from his upbringing helped him adapt and flourish.
Throughout these roles, he has combined pastoral ministry with educational administration, pastoral counselling, and clergy formation.
FOR COUNSELLING
Parish, academic or pastoral-counselling Enquiries, or to invite Rev Fr. Valentine for speaking, formation, or counselling engagements, please contact the Diocese of Auchi or the parish office at SS. Joachim & Anne Catholic Church, Ososo.
