Alex Ekwueme to be Buried Feb. 2

The burial committee set up to plan a state burial for Dr Alex Ekwueme says the former Vice President will be buried on February 2.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha made this known while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

Mustapha, who is the Chairman of the committee, was represented by Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, who is also a member of the committee.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee, which was inaugurated on the December 15, has come up with a nine-day long programme for the burial.

The programme will start from the January 19.

The SGF described the first elected Vice President of Nigeria as an accomplished architect, town planner, philanthropist and politician.

On Friday January 19 at 2pm, there will be a Memorial Service at Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos, while at 5pm, there will be an Evening of Tributes and Music at Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos.

On Saturday January 27 at 2pm, there will be a Memorial Service at St Marylebone Parish Church London.

On Sunday, January 28 at 6pm, there will be a Service of Songs and evening of tributes at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Similarly, on Monday, January 29 at Noon., there will be a Parade of Honour at the Presidential wing, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after which Ekwueme’s body will depart to Enugu and will be received by South East governors at the airport.

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

On Wednesday January 31 at 10 am, there will be South East commendation service at Okpara Square, Enugu.

On Thursday, February 1 at 10 am, the body will depart for Awka at Noon, and there will be Anambra Commendation service at Ekwueme Square, Awka.

By 4 pm, the body will depart for Oko, Ekwueme’s home town, a Service of Songs will hold at his residence from 5pm.

On Friday, February 2 at 8am, there will be lying-in-state at his residence; and by 11 am, there will be the funeral service at St. John the Divine Church, Oko, followed by interment and reception.

On Sunday, February 11 at 9 am, there will be an outing service at the St John the Divine Church, Oko.

The SGF called on all professional groups and individuals whose lives and interests were impacted on by the departed statesman to be part of the burial ceremonies to pay him their last respect. (NAN)