The Amechi family, in a statement on Thursday signed on their behalf by Tagbo Amechi, named a committee of eminent Nigerians to plan the funeral scheduled for February 16, 2023.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Businessman Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has been appointed chairman of the planning committee for the funeral of Nigeria’s first Minister of Aviation, Mbazulike Amechi.
Amechi died on November 1 at the age of 93.
The elder statesman, who hailed from Amihe village in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, was a nationalist and the only surviving member of the Zikist Movement.
The Amechi family, in a statement on Thursday signed on their behalf by Tagbo Amechi, named a committee of eminent Nigerians to plan the funeral scheduled for February 16, 2023.
The statement said, “Following the transition of the foremost Statesman, Nationalist and one of the last remaining Fathers of Nigerian Independence, Chief Mbazulike Amechi (Dara Akunwafor), Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation in the First Republic on 1st November 2022, the family, in consultation with his associates and other stakeholders wish to announce the setting up of a Committee of Distinguished and Respected Nigerian Leaders to plan a befitting burial for this great Nigerian Patriot scheduled for 16th February 2023 at Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
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“This Committee of Eminent Persons, under the Chairmanship of Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR, consists of the following: Alh. Tanko Yakasai, Chief Edwin Clark, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Dr. Tim Menakaya, Chief Simon N. Okeke, Sen. Dr. Adolphus Wabara, Sen. Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Arc. Obong Victor Attah, Sen. Dr. Sam Egwu, Chief Achike Udenwa, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Sen. Theodore Orji, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, Ambassador Dr. Mrs. Kema Chikwe, Iyom Josephine Anenih, and Ambassador Chief Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
“Others are Prof. Maurice Iwu, Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Hon. Prince Chibudom Nwuche, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chief Okey Ezenwa, Hon. Dr. Prince Ned Nwoko, Prof. Fred Eze, Prince Emeka Udodeme, Chief Uwakwe Azikiwe, Hon. CID Maduabum – Secretary.
“In due course, the committee will make public, further details.
“We thank the eminent persons who despite their tight schedules have agreed to do this as a mark of respect to a great son of Nigeria.”