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Tag: funeral

  • Fed Govt begins Ekwueme’s final funeral rites

    Fed Govt begins Ekwueme’s final funeral rites

    The Federal Government yesterday made public the burial plans of late former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, who died in London on November 19, 2017 at  85.

    Briefing reporters in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who chairs the national burial committee, said it is to ensure that the late elder statesman gets a a befitting burial.

    Mustapha, who was represented by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, added that Ekwueme’s death was a painful loss not only to the family but to the country.

    He 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, that ‘Dr. Ekwueme had left politics  much poorer than he was when he entered it,’ and has also stated that to ask for more from him was to set a standard in Public life which even saints could not meet.”

    According to him, the governments at the federal and South East levels will be fully represented during the burial ceremony.

    “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 Late Dr. Alex Ekwueme our last respects.”

    The final funeral programme shows that in Lagos on Friday, January 19, there will be a memorial service by  2pm at Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, Lagos. Evening of Tributes and  Music is slated for 5pm same day at The Landmark, Oniru.

    On Saturday, at 5pm, a Memorial Service will hold at St Marylebone Parish Church, London, W1.

    On Sunday, January 28th, 6pm, there will be another Evening of Tributes at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

    On January 29, there will be Parade of Honour at the Presidential Wing Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    The body will then depart for Enugu and will be received by the Southeast governors at the Akanu Ibiam International national Airport, Enugu.

    On January 30 at 4pm, there will be Service of Songs at  Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Independence Layout, Enugu.

    On January 31, at Enugu, there will be South East Zone Commendation Ceremonies by 10am at Okpara Square.

    On February 1, his body will depart for Akwa on motorcade for Anambra State Commendation service at Ekwueme Square, Awka.

    On the same day at 4pm, his body will depart for Oko by motorcade and by 5pm there will be Service of Songs.

    On February 2, there will be lying in state at 8am and funeral service at St. John the Divine Church Oko and final funereal rites will be at 11am.

    On Sunday, February 11, at 9am, there will be Outing Service at St. John the Divine Church, Oko.

    The Federal Government is footing the bill for the burial, which includes transporting the body from London to Nigeria.

    Other members of the Committee include Ministers of Power, Works and Housing  Babatunde Raji Fashola, Information and Culture Minister  Lai Mohammed, Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun, Labour and Productivity Minister Chris Ngige, Mr. Ibrahim Idris and Mallam Lawal Musa Daura.

    Others are Pastor Goodheart Obi Ekwueme, the SSG, Anambra State, Prof. Osita Chukwulobeluand the Permanent  Secretary,   Genera l  Services   Office,   Dr.  R oy   Ugo, will serve as the Secretary of the committee, according to a statement signed by Deputy Director (Press) Office Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mohammed Nakorji.

  • Year of the funeral pyre

    Year of the funeral pyre

    This is the year of the funeral pyre. The calendar year in which ‘patriots’ carve bullets and axes from soapboxes; and for the sport of politicians, increase the number of the dead.

    This is the year in which criminals, hired assassins and mass murderers actualise their dreams of bliss that they might become governors, legislators, local government chairmen and councilors in 2019.

    Like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) turned governance and citizenship into a Darwinian spectacle of turbulent energies: hate-mongering, blaming, fleeing, chasing, murdering and devouring, these past three years.

    Despite this sad reality, gangs of critics who fought Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP off, tend to downplay Buhari and his APC’s ineptitude and ethical ambiguities. For instance, ex-pension boss, Abdulrasheed Maina’s scandalous reinstatement in very suspicious circumstances, has failed to incite appropriate resent. But that is just a tip of the iceberg.

    At the moment, gangs of oil thieves, striving in twos and threes, fours and fives have made it on to the boards of Nigeria’s most lucrative cash cows, the country’s public corporations. From their vantage positions, it becomes easier to cause fuel scarcity, prevent stable electricity, dominate import/export business, steal public funds, influence election results. No thanks to President Buhari and his expedient gospel of ‘change.’

    Buhari wants to free Nigeria from corruption but he is hobbled by desperate lust to play sweetheart to the Nigerian electorate and the nefarious cabal by whose designs he believes he is able to maintain his feeble hold on power.

    Jonathan’s government was atrocious but Buhari’s government as it is, manifests as a political grand opera of instability, double-speak, over-hyped achievements, anguish and resentment.

    There is no use blaming Buhari. He probably meant well until the lust for power overwhelmed the supposed patriot in him. Ensconced in his high office, he lives immune to the ravages of infrastructural lack, declining naira, power outage, insecurity, unemployment and endemic poverty snuffing lives out in the cities, suburbs and backwaters.

    Thus it was mortifying to hear his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo, harp on the APC’s capacity to live up to its campaign promise by paying N5, 000 monthly to impoverished families in the country. Where? How? Why should that be an achievement to be proud of?

    Speaking on the initiative in the run-up to the March 28 presidential polls, Osinbajo stated that the initiative was meant to support 25 million of 119 million extremely poor Nigerians who earn less than N200 a day to take care of their families. The vice president added that the fast way of dealing with that was the N5,000 monthly Conditional Cash Transfer Programme.

    “We will give N5, 000 to the poorest 25 million over a phased period, if their children are enrolled in school and participate in immunization…So we are actually doing two things; we are giving stipends to the very poorest and ensuring that in order to earn that stipend they certify two conditions,” he said.

    Hmmm…To think we had higher expectations of Osinbajo and Buhari. I would rather they regale us with facts and figures about measures they took to restore stable electricity supply, revivify comatose industry, revolutionise education, healthcare, provide good roads among others.

    These were achievable in the past three years – at least in convincing phases – had the APC truly devoted resources to tackling crucial social problems.

    Buhari and Osinbajo were supposed to be great men. Nigerians reposed trust in them believing they were invulnerable to the lure of illusionary politics and celebritized governance.

    A vote for Buhari/Osinbajo resonated as a vote for men with permanent personalities, integrity and values. The Buhari/Osinbajo Nigerians voted for didn’t just care about winning for personal gain alone – at least we thought – or conquering to perpetrate vendettas, hedonism, and oppression – atrocities several members of their cabinet and the ruling party are guilty of.

    We didn’t vote Buhari/Osinbajo to celebritise victimhood or blame-casting. We voted them to improve governance, provide stable electricity, revivify comatose industry, enable entrepreneurship, provide employment opportunities, improve quality healthcare, education, among others.

    Does the APC’s performance in the past three years excite electorate will to retain it in power come 2019? Has the Buhari/Osinbajo team performed well? I would give them a resounding score of 20 over 100 (20%) – obtainable by the administration’s convincing anti-corruption war.

    Notwithstanding the incumbent administration’s apparent shortcomings, the ancient political rite of domination by the attractive person with deep pocket or sheer political capital, will manifest in keeping it in power. We see it in political cult followership of characters like Atiku Abubakar, and President Buhari.

    Thus this year, Nigerians will foolishly bicker and fight in support or against Atiku Abubakar, Buhari and any situational clown that would express his ambition to contest the presidential seat.

    Nigerians will make uninformed choices, as usual. The eye elects and the mind accepts a galvanizing object and formalizes the union in espoused politics, bigotries, ethics – all of a political nature.

    This imposes a hierarchic character on the electorate, making all receptors of the beloved’s manna. The structure is sadomasochistic. Infinitely subservient.

    This year, the cycle continues and the feeling accentuates of Nigeria as the proverbial ragged babe caught in a cycle of cannibalism enacted by the APC and PDP, savages attacking and retreating in obsessive rhythms of victory and defeat.

    Nigeria, the ragged babe, is thrust to the savages for the umpteenth time; they nail her down to a rock in their slaughterhouse of greed; they bind iron thorns around her head, pierce her unformed nipples, hands and feet. They cut her heart out to sup on its blood.

    Picture us as the ragged child; the pre-nubile damaged girl. The savages live on our shrieks and cries. They nourish from our interminable miseries, pain and death. They grow young as we grow old.

    If we retain them in power, innocence dies by degenerate experience.

  • Tijani Adediji: Funeral for great patriarch

    Tijani Adediji: Funeral for great patriarch

    From Thursday, March 23 to Saturday, March 25, the ancient town of Ede in Osun State literally stood still in honour of the departed patriarch of Ikolaba Compound, the late Pa Tijani Ayinde Adedijji (aka Baba Port Harcourt).

    The children and other members of family of Ikolaba Compound held the ancient city spell-bound for three days as they gave their father befitting final burial. The late patriarch had joined his ancestors on March 16, this year at the age of 85.

    Myriad of friends and associates of the late patriarch’s children who include Alhaj Hakeem Adediji, Kola Kazeem Adediji; Mrs. Adefunke Fashola, Alhaji Lukman Adediji, Olajire Rofiyat Adediji, Abiola Oyedeji Adediji and Omolayo Adediji travelled from far and near to pay their last respect to the deceased who loomed larger than life during his lifetime.

    Baba Port Harcourt went back to his Creator a fulfilled man. This great son of Ede land, who spent some part of his life as a member of staff of Public Works Department, carved a niche for himself, as far as selfless and dignified service to humanity were concerned. The late Pa Adediji was a success story. As an amiable person, he was admired by all in Ede.

    Born in 1932, Pa Adediji had a very humble beginning and made the best use of every opportunity that his limited education offered him. He was a great socialite and a good mixer, even as he never failed to adhere strictly to his chosen religion, Islam.

    The patriarch of Ikolaba Compound so much valued education so much so that he gave his children the best of it, believing that education is a the greatest legacy any father could bequeath to his children. The children, in turn, gave a good account of themselves. They are all successful in their chosen professions.

    To demonstrate the great respect they attached to their late father, one of them, Engineer Kola Kazeem Adediji, flew in from Singapore to bid his father farewell. And when it was time for the 8th Day Islamic Fidau Prayer, the children spared no efforts and expenses in ensuring that all went well for their guests.

    It was a carnival of sort, which people will not fail to remember for a long time. Ede became a ‘Mecca’ of sort, as Pa Adediji’s children, well-wishers from London, the United States and other parts of Nigeria were eager to participate in the events as a show of solidarity.

    Prayers by top Islamic clerics drawn from various groups in Ede land were offered at Oke-Gada, Ede the residence of the deceased. Alhaji Abdul-Ganiy Abiodun Adediji, who is the Olori Ebi (head of the family), was available to make the Alfas comfortable as they left happier than they came.

    On Friday, March 24, the children of Pa Adediji sent prayer mats and ablution kettles to all Jumat Mosques in Ede, to further demonstrate their appreciation to Allah for a life well lived by their father.

    The grand reception for guests shifted to Western Sun Hotel Ede, where choice foods and drinks were served. Nothing was lacking. On the bandstand was Olu Mighty from Ile-Ife, who sang sonorous highlife music to the admiration of the guests. Men, women, including the young and old twirled to the melodious rhythms of the music which calmed their frayed nerves. The ambience of Western Sun Hotel provided an environment cozy enough for the reception so much so that guests were not in a hurry to leave for their homes.

    Speaking glowingly about his late father, one of the sons, Kola said aside from God’s protection and mercy, he and his siblings owed every inch of their successes to the prayers and fatherly support of their late father.

    His father, he said, ensured that they embraced western education, even though his resources were meager. Kola described his father as a complete and non-discriminatory family man, who gave equal attention and love to all.

    The Singapore-based Chemist, who is the Treasurer of African Southeast Asia Chamber of Commerce, stated that he would forever miss the wise counsels of his father. He promised that the family will do all within its power to immortalise Pa Adediji who he described as a great man. He also revealed that his father was the President, Egbe Irawo Owuro Port Harcourt during his lifetime.

    • Lawal wrote from Ede, Osun State.

  • Funeral for Oyatogun’s wife

    Mrs Paula Oyatogun, the wife of legendary sports broadcaster, the late Walter Oyatogun, who died on Sunday, October 29, will be buried next week in Lagos.
    She was 60.
    Addressing reporters in Lagos, the head of the Oyatogun family, Mr Wale Afolarin, thanked Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for supporting the family before and after his death. Afolarin urged SWAN to show the same support for Mrs Oyatogun’s burial.
    Activities for the burial include a novelty match between SWAN and Mega Football Club of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Agidingbi, Ikeja, at the mainbowl of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, at 10 a.m tomorrow.
    Also tomorrow, an evangelism rally among some celebrity, like Sola Salako and Mrs Mavi Isibor will hold.
    On December 15, a service of song will hold at 4 p.m while a song concert will hold at Estaport Preparatory School in Gbagada, Lagos.
    A church service will hold at Gospel Apostolic Church at Ayodele Okeowo Street, Gbagada, Lagos at 9 a.m on December 16 while a reception will follow on same day at Alberta Hall, on Ogudu-Ojota Expressway.

  • Funeral rites for Insurance chief

    Funeral rites for Insurance chief

    Funeral rites for the Managing Director, Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, Mrs. Anuoluwapo Abosede Otegbeye (Nee Bamgbose), have been announced.

    A Service of Songs will hold tomorrow at Christ Anglican Church on 10 Okuta road, Bariga, by 5pm.

    A commendation service will hold on Thursday at the same venue by 10 am, while another Service of Songs will hold at BOT residence on Biyi Otegbeye Close, GRA Ilaro, by 5 pm same day.

    Burial will be on Friday at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Ilaro, by 10 am, while entertainment of guests will hold at Ashade Agunloye Pavilion, Ilaro.

    The deceased was born on March 26, 1939, and died on September 12.

    She was 77 years.

  • Funeral for Osun church leader

    The funeral for the Otun Ijo of St Jude’s Anglican Church, Diocese of Ijesha North East, Ikeji-Ile, Ilesha, Osun State, Chief Joseph Oladipupo Faloye has been scheduled for today and tomorrow.

    Chief Faloye died on September 23, 2015. He was 98 years

    A wake will hold at his 29A, Arakata Street, Ikeji-Ile home today by 5pm, while funeral service holds tomorrow by 10am.

    Entertainment of guests will follow after the interment at St Jude’s Anglican Primary School playing ground.

    He is survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

  • Celine Dion: I’ll not sing at my husband’s funeral

    Celine Dion: I’ll not sing at my husband’s funeral

    Dismissing indications that world acclaimed singer, Celine Dion, will be singing at her husband’s funeral, her representative said it hasn’t crossed the mind of the bereaved to do so.

    Dion had also lost her brother, Daniel Dion, to cancer two days after her husband, Rene Angeli died of throat cancer.

    Her representative told TMZ that although it never crossed her mind to perform , but it’s possible one or two of her songs will play in the background.

    According to Rene’s wishes, the ceremony will be held at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal where he and Celine got married 21 years ago.

    The funeral is expected to be televised on three networks and flags will fly at half-staff.

  • HID: Police, others meet on security ahead of funeral

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 2, Lagos, Bala Hassan, Ogun State Commissioner of Police Abdulmajid Ali and some senior police officers will meet today to deliberate on the security strategies to be adopted during the funeral of Mrs. Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo.

    Expected at the meeting in Abeokuta, the state capital, are some members of the family, security agencies in the state, government officials, including the consultant on security to the state government, Olayinka Balogun.

    During the meeting, avenues will be explored on how to incorporate into a larger security committee ,groups and individuals relevant in the planning of the security arrangements for the funeral.

    The matriarch of the Awolowo family and Yeye Oba of Yorubaland died on September 19 at 99.

    She will be buried on her 100th birthday – November 25, according to her eldest daughter, Mrs Omotola Oyediran.

    Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said Hassan had visited the Awolowos’ Ikenne home to have on-the-spot-assessment of the environment towards adequate deployment of security operatives before, during and after the funeral.

    A member of the House of Assembly, Adebowale Ojuri, has condoled with the family.

    Ojuri, representing Odogbolu in the Assembly, said Mama Awolowo’s death elicited sadness and joy from him.

    He said it is sad because it is not a comfortable thing to lose a family pillar, but at the same time joyful because Mama  Awolowo lived a fulfilled life.

  • Funeral rites for monarch

    THE stool of the Jegun of Ile-Oluji in Ondo State will be filled after the funeral of Oba Stephen Adedugbe, the Lisa of Ile-Oluji, High Chief Akin Fagbamiye, has said.

    The rites began yesterday with the traditional riding of a white horse by one of the deceased’s children.

    Oba Adedugbe (77), who reigned for 25 years, died on June 6.

    Addressing reporters in the community, Fagbamiye said the new monarch would come from Jumoko ruling house.

    He urged interested princes to be diligent, transparent and ensure a peaceful conduct in all the processes.

    Fagbamiye said two lectures would be held today with a key note address on Ilode, the original home of Ile-Oluji, which is a quarters in Ile-Ife.

    According to him, due to the primordial connection of Ile-Ife and Ile-Oluji, the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, before his demise, had agreed to deliver a key note address on hearing of Oba Adedupe’s death.

    He said there will be a carnival procession of clubs, societies and cultural groups tomorrow beginning from the palace to Gboluji Grammar School, where guests will be entertained.

    The final outing service will hold at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter’s, Ile-Oluji on Sunday.

  • Elegbeda’s funeral holds today

    The remains of the late Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Samson Alade Balogun will be interred today at the palace.

    The late Oba Balogun, 80, was due to travel to the United Kingdom before his death last Friday.

    The Christian wake was held yesterday at a hall inside the palace.

    The three hours event was coordinated by the Shaddai Baptist Church, Egbeda, Lagos.

    It featured praises, hymns, scriptural reading, brief testimony, exhortation and a special prayer for the family.

    Former Lagos Commissioner for Transportation Comrade Kayode Opeifa enjoined the gathering to emulate the late monarch’s selfless life-style.

    The late Oba Balogun, Opeifa said, was very accommodating and always ready to contribute to the growth of the community.

    Former Lagos State Independent Electoral Commissioner Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso, said Awori has lost an industrious son.

    In his tribute to the late monarch, Oyefeso said, he brought orderliness and modernity to the community.

    “Of course, we are pained because we lost a great man; Awori in particular has lost an industrious person. He was very trendy and passionate about the development of the community,” he said.

    The former LASIEC chief appealed to the traditional institution to look for a suitable person to succeed him.

    “In replacing him, they should look for a very passionate person who will be keen about the welfare of the people; who will consider the development of the area like the deceased’s monarch. Development is springing up fast in Egbeda, so there is need for a monarch that will assist the government in carrying out its policy,” he said.