Day Unsung Hero Of Nigerian Journalism, Pa Anueyiagu Was Laid To Rest

It was a carnival of sort. It was a gathering of people from all walks of life to pay last homage to a man that came, saw and conquered quietly. It was a celebration of life well spent and fulfilled. Indeed, it was the burial ceremony of the Godfather of Nigerian Journalism and renowned community leader, Pa Chukwuma Anueyiagu who recently passed on at 100.

The day was sunny, the weather was clement and the atmosphere was very friendly. The pallbearers from the MIC Company were in their best element, displaying the well- decorated casket containing the remains of the late patriarch with the inscription Okeazu. Vehicle movement was heavy and snarled. There was influx of people in the community

At about 8.30 am, the body of Pa Anueyiagu was laid in the state in his country home Amudo, Awka North Council Area of Anambra on Saturday March 13. It was rains of tributes for the man who played major role in the development of the Nigeria, Nigerian Journalism and Awka community in particular for the benefit of mankind. Almost every person at his funeral has something good to say about the life and time of the late pen pusher and devout Christian. Due to time constraint, many who were willing to read their tributes were prevailed upon to shelve it.

From the family compound, the motorcade convoying his body lead by the pallbearers that were drumming special songs moved to the All Saints’ Anglican Church Awka, which was just a stone throw from the Anueyiagu’s compound for the funeral service.

Before the convoy arrived the church, the expansive church hall was almost filled to capacity, and parking space became almost a problem due to the large turnout of community members, family members, friends, well-wishers from far and wide. Luckily security men were on ground, directing vehicle movements in and outside the church to avoid traffic gridlock. Many guests and sympathisers who could not drive into the church compound parked their car outside.

The funeral service commenced around 10.30am with the reception of his body and the church choir’s melodious hymn. In the pulpit to receive Pa Anueyiagu’s body include who is who in the Anglican Communion in the Southeast and beyond. They include Bishop of Awka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Alexander C Ibezim, Ven C.C Mgbemena, Ven. Stephen Nzekwe, Rev. Canon G.C Nwankwo, Reverend Charles Chukwurah, Rev. Godswill Nwachukwuma, and several others.

Delivering his sermon, the officiating prelate, and Bishop of Awka Diocese Anglican Communion, Dr. Ibezim described late pa Anueyiagu as a good man with a good heart all the time. He admonished people to emulate the worthy, simple and humble life that Pa Anueyiagu lived.

“Since 2010 I became the Bishop I have visited Pa Anueyiagu every year and the last time I visited him I gave him Holy Communion. All he professed concerning my episcopacy has manifested. He was indeed a spiritual prophet, despite being visually impaired,’ Ibezim said.

The Bishop disclosed that during one of such visits, he appealed to Pa Anueyiagu that where Bishop Court is situated is on lease and that the church is seeking assistance to acquire it.

According to the Bishop, the late community leader summoned several meetings of the community people, while reaching out to others outside in a move to ensure that the church acquire the place.

Ibezim said: “I am glad to say that courtesy of late Pa Anueyiagu’s efforts and that of others in Amudo community, the whole Bishop Court is today property of the church. I have never seen a man like this man. Pa Anueyiagu epitomized honesty, diligence, integrity and humility.

After the sermon and offering, the Bishop handed Pa Anueyiagu’s first son, Dr. Okey Anueyiagu the offering, which he gave back to the church. Giving his vote of thanks, Dr. Okey Anueyiagu thanked all for making it to his father’s burial. He described his father as his best friend, and an upright man. Anueyiagu said: “My father was a very simple and actionable man. When the war ended, we came down to Awka. I asked him why are we in this destroyed town. He told me that he is done with life and he is going to stay here to rebuild the town. His friend, Late Aminu Kano called him to return to Kano, he refused.

“After my father rebuilt Awka Market, he denied my mother shop. When I asked him the reason for his action, he simply said, do you want them to accuse me of nepotism. That is my father for you.

Also speaking, representative of President Goodluck Jonathan and his Special Adviser on Inter Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi said that the president sent him to commiserate with the family and people of the community on the demise of his father’s friend. Obi said that if not for the president’s tight schedule, he would have been at the burial in person.

After the withdrawal hymn, late Pa Anueyiagu’s body was taken to the family compound and interred at about 1.30pm. Dignitaries at the event include Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Liyel Imoke, In-law to the Anueyiagus, Mr. Musa Danjuma, Prof. ABC Nwosu, Former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Mr. Emeka Ugwuoju, Prof. George Obiozor, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd) Former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dele Ezeoba (rtd), Chief Victor Umeh, Senator Annie Okonkwo, Mrs Uche Ekwunife, Chief Chekwas Okorie, and others.