Alex Ekwueme’s Funeral Rites Begin Today

The funeral rites for former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme will begin in Lagos on today, Friday.

Naija News gathered that his funeral service will be held at the St. John the Divine Church, Oko, Anambra State on February 2.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, the Chairman of the National Burial Committee, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Mustapha, who was represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, who is also a member of the committee told journalists that about one month-long burial programme would start on Friday with a memorial service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos at 2pm and an evening of tribute and music slated for 5 pm.

He added that outing service would be the last programme for the late former vice president to hold on February 11.

Ngige said, “The death of Alex Ekwueme is indeed a painful loss, not only to his family but to our great nation, Nigeria. His life was dedicated to the service of our beloved country, Nigeria.

“And as the military tribunal panel stated after he and other leaders were detained as a result of the Nigerian military coup d’etat that sacked the civilian government of December 31, 1983, ‘Dr Ekwueme had left politics much poorer than he was when he entered it.”

Ngige added, “As we mourn his painful demise with utmost sympathy to the bereaved family, let me also use this medium to assure you that the federal and South-East governments will be adequately represented at the final funeral rites.

“We also urge all individuals and professional groups whose lives and interests were touched in one way or the other by our departed statesman, to be part of the burial ceremonies, as we pay the late Dr Alex Ekwueme our last respects.”

The committee said that a memorial service will be held at the St. Marylebone Parish Church, London, W1 on Saturday.

Evening of tribute scheduled will hold on January 28 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja; and a parade of honour on January 29 at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Afterwards, his body will be taken to Enugu and received by the South-East governors at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

On January 30, there will be a service of songs at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Independence Layout, Enugu; while the South-East zone commendation ceremonies will hold at Okpara Square on January 31.

The body will be taken to Awka for the Anambra State commendation service at the Ekwueme Square, on February 1.