All roads lead to Achina, July 19, for funeral ceremony of Very Rev Fr Michael Umenzekwe Azike

By Cyriacus Nnaji:

Azike Dynasty in Achina ancient kingdom in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has announced 19th July, 2024 as date for the funeral ceremony of their late uncle and brother, Very Reverend Father Michael Ndukuba Umenzekwe Azike.

According to a press statement released by the Administrative Chairman of the Azike Dynasty, Hon Chief Modestus Umenzekwe (Onwa Achina), the funeral ceremony will commence with a Holy Mass at St Charles’ Catholic Church, Achina at 11am while reception will follow after church activities at Modestus Umenzekwe’s Compound, Nkwere-Out Quarters, Achina.

Chief Umenzekwe described his late uncle as a great and humble man of God whom God used mightily for soul winning, spiritual uplifting and for the development of not just Achina community, but the entire Anambra State and the Catholic Church in general.

Umenzekwe used the opportunity to pray for the repose of the soul of his uncle and all the faithful departed.

“I pray that God almighty will grant my uncle, the late Very Rev. Fr. Mike Umenzekwe Azike, eternal rest, and indeed all the faithful departed, Amen.”

Expected to grace the funeral includes top government dignitaries and politicians. In no particular order are the Presidency; the Former Governor of Lagos and Immediate Past Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Dr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON; Senator Andy Uba MFR; His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, Presidential candidate, Labour Party; Senator Chris Ngige OON; Senator Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah CON; Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke; Hon. Nze Chidi Duru CON; Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma.

Others are Chief George Muoghalu; Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Senator Lawal Shuaibu; Iyom Senator Uche Ekwunife PhD; Mr C. Don Adinuba, Fmr Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Anambra State; Chief Dozie Ikedife; High Chief Engr. Barth Nwibe; High Chief Engr. Johnson Onunkwo; Chief Basil Ejidike; HRH Igwe G. N. Obiora; Chief Nwanosike Onu; and Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu.

Also expected include Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji; Chief Dr. Chidozie Nwankwo; Hon. Engr. Dom Okafor; Amb Jerry Ugokwe; Hon. Chief Valentine Ozigbo; Hon. Chief Uzoma Igbonwa; Kanayo O. Kanayo; Prof. I.P Orajiaka, Fmr Vice Chancellor, Anambra State University (now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University; High Chief Dennis Ngene, Fmr Chairman, Awka North Local Government Area.

In his supportive statement, the Azike Dynasty Burial Committee Chairman, Chief Andy Azike (Ogbuji Opia) disclosed that arrangements have been concluded how to contain the dignitaries and the guests.