· a hanging grave erected for his final resting place
The kinsmen and residents of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, hometown of the late internationally acclaimed literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe whose burial activities have been lined up to commence this week have said they were open-handed to all, and prepared to work with other committees set up by any group in order to give a befitting burial to their illustrious son.
Chairman of the Media/Publicity committee set up by the Ogidi community for the burial who holds similar committee position in the planning committee set up by the Anambra State government, Chief Bob-Manuel Udokwu, disclosed this yesterday in Awka when he briefed journalists on the arrangements so far. He said that what matters to the community was for their son to be given a befitting burial worthy of a man of his social stature.
Prof Achebe, was at a time the President General of Ogidi, also belonged to the distinguished class of the few highest titled men- Ndichie Ume, in Ogidi community.
The literary icon’s body according to details released by Udokwu would arrive Nigeria May 19, after which a prayer session would be held in his honour at the National Ecumenical Center, Abuja same day. While other cultural events and reciting of his books would come up the next day.
Thereafter, an Airport reception by members of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, and the Ogidi people at the Abuja Airport before the body departs for Enugu Airport where the body would be received by the 5 South East governors of Anambra Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Imo states.
He said that though the body would not be taken to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, there would be a procession and other events in his memory in the University where he held sway for years in the Faculty of Arts Department before relocating to the United States of America, where he lived till he passed on last March.
The body is expected in Awka on May 22nd preceded by a border reception at Amansea by a cross section of Anambra people.
It would be followed by a short service for him at the Alex Ekwueme square in Awka. Then, the following day the body would arrive Ogidi for a funeral service at St Phillip’s Anglican Church, Akpakaogwe,Ogidi.
His remains would be interred at his Ikenga Ogidi country home, where a hanging mausoleum is built for his final resting.
Most of the axial access roads in and around Ikenga and Nkwelle villages in Ogidi have been given facelift and made motorable in order to enable visitors have easy and smooth ride.
The President of Nwelle-Ogidi community, Chief Maurice Ebo told journalists yesterday that they were keen on giving their late illustrious son a befitting burial. He said that security surveillance at all the entry and exit points in and out of the village has been intensified to reassure visitors of their safety.
