The final burial arrangements and program of events for the late former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, are set to commence in Awka, the state capital, starting on Friday.
Widely known as ‘Okwadike,’ Ezeife served as the Anambra State governor from January 2, 1992, to November 1993, during the Third Republic which was eventually cut short.
His passing occurred at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja on December 14, 2023, at the age of 85.
A burial poster, signed by the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, states that the late governor will be laid to rest with state honors, with pre-burial events leading up to the ceremony.
The pre-burial events, some of which have already taken place, included a service of songs at the Ecumenical Centre in Abuja (scheduled for April 12 at 5 pm); a celebration of the life and times of ‘Okwadike’ at the Eagle Square in Abuja (set for April 13 at 10 am); and the National Night of Tributes at Thisday Dome in Abuja (scheduled for April 15 at 5 pm).
Following these events will be the official state burial proceedings, including a state commendation and thanksgiving service at the International Conference Centre in Awka (set for Friday, April 19, at 10 am) with tribute presentations immediately following the service.
A Service of Songs will be hosted at his hometown, Igboukwu in Aguata LGA, by the Salvation Army Church (scheduled for Friday, April 19, at 5 pm).
The burial service at the late governor’s residence in Igboukwu will take place on Saturday, April 20, at 10 am, followed by internment and condolence visits.
The ceremonies will conclude with a thanksgiving service at the Salvation Army Church in Igboukwu on Sunday at 9 am).
The commissioner also emphasized that all attendees of the commendation and thanksgiving service on Friday should be seated by 10 am.
“Everyone is expected to be seated by 10 am when the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, his deputy, the speaker, and the Chief Judge will lead the cortege of ‘Okwadike’ into the ICC venue,” he added.
In 1999, the late governor was appointed as a special adviser on political matters by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Despite not attending secondary school, Ezeife educated himself through correspondence courses, eventually meeting university admission requirements.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan and pursued his Master’s and doctorate degrees at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, graduating in 1972.
His career included roles as a school headmaster and later as a lecturer at Makarere University College in Kampala, Uganda.