The Anambra State House of Assembly has planned to hold a valedictory session to pay the last respect to an elder statesman and Second Republic lawmaker in the state House of Assembly, Dr Ernest Madu Onyekwena, on August 29, 2024.
A former governor of the state and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 poll, Mr Peter Obi; incumbent governor of the state, Charles Soludo and Minister of Health, Ali Pate are among dignitaries expected at the funeral.
Other dignitaries expected at the burial include the deputy governor of Enugu State, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai; Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Ugwu, traditional leaders from around the country, as well as other notable Nigerians and individuals from around the world.
In a statement signed by his son who is Deputy Director, Infectious Diseases Advocacy, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Obinna Onyekwena, on behalf of the family, on Sunday, the late Sir Ernest Madu Onyekwena’s funeral rites will commence with a Service of Songs on August 23 at his Enugu residence, while the actual burial is slated for Saturday 31st August 2024.
Obinna said the funeral rites will commence with a Service of Song on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 5pm at his Enugu residence.
The statement read, “Other lined-up burial activities that will precede the interment are a valedictory session which will take place in his honour at the Anambra State House of Assembly Legislative building on Thursday 29th August 2024.
“The Christian wake will take place on the 30th of August 2024, by 6:pm, at the late Onyekwena’s country home in Ufuma, Anambra State. The burial activities shall be capped with a Thanksgiving Service by 9am at the Holy Trinity Church, Ufuma.
“He will be remembered as a true visionary, a leader, and a champion for progress.”