The remains of former Information and Communications Minister, Prof Dora Akunyili, was yesterday laid to eternal rest shortly after a requiem mass at the Madonna Catholic Church, Agulu, Anaocha local government area of Anambra State.
She was buried at her country home in Nkitaku village, Agulu amidst encomiums from eminent Nigerians who came from various parts of the country to pay their final respect to her.
The Madonna’s Catholic Church was filled to the brim with the number of people outside, more than those inside the church.
The church which wore a new look yesterday with some works still ongoing, had not witnessed any such event for the past six years according to one of priests in the church.
Before her death, it was gathered that Akunyili had sunk N40 million to uplift the church which has been undergoing series of reconstruction.
Akunyili’s burial was attended by two Catholic Cardinals, Francis Cardinal Arinze from Rome and John Cardinal Onaikan from Abuja; three Archbishops, Martins from Lagos, Anthony Obinna from Imo and Valerian Okeke from Anambra states.
Also, 25 Catholic Bishops from all over the country and over 200 priests throughout Nigeria were equally in attendance.
Former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd) and his wife, Victoria, former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and wife, Beatrice and the wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bola were all in the church service.
Also, Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Isah Yuguda of Bauchi, wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Josephine Elechi, her Abia counterpart, Odochi Orji and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha defied the early morning rain to be present.
In attendance too were, former Governors Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Peter Obi, Senator Chris Ngige and Virgy Etiaba, while Minister of Information and Communications, Labaran Maku, and Sen. Joy Emodi were among the dignitaries.
In his homily during the service which began at 10.45am yesterday, Rev. Dr. Damian Akpunonu said Akunyili’s death was a tragedy that the family and the entire country would forever continue to ponder upon.
After the service, her body in a golden coffee casket was moved to her resting place at the Akunyili compound and was interred at exactly 2.15pm.
Cardinals Onaikan and Arinze equally offered prayers for the Akunyili family, Anambra and indeed entire the Nigeria for the fortitude to bear the loss.
While thanking the people who trooped to Agulu community to honour their mother, the eldest son of the deceased, Dr. Edozie Akunyili, on behalf of the family, thanked everybody for the honour done to his mother.
Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano said the people responded to Akunyili’s burial because she was a good person, who left a wonderful legacy on earth.
Other dgnitaries who were at Agulu community yesterday included Prince Arthur Eze, Hon. Uche Ekwunife, Senator Annie Okonkwo, Senator Ayogu Eze, Senator Andy Uba, Chief Ifeanyi Uba, Comrade Tony Nwoye, Iyom Josephine Anenih, and Chief John Nnia Nwodo.
Also in attendance were Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, his Health counterpart, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Director General of SEC, Arunma Otteh, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, DG-SON, Alison Madueke, former Ebonyi State Governor, Sam Egwu among others.
