(From left): Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe and Ikpeazu at Ezikpe's funeral
Remains of Abia elder statesman interred in Ohafia
[From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia]
Remains of one of the founding fathers of Abia State and an Elder Statesman, Ezeogo Dr. Anagha Ezikpe, was laid to rest in his country home, Nymph Castle, Abiriba in Ohafia Local Government Area, Wednesday.
Speaking at the funeral service held at the Egwuena Girls Secondary School , Abiriba, and conducted by the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria , Governor Okezie Ikpeazu described the deceased as a great man who made indelible marks on the sands of time.
According to him, the contributions of the deceased to the founding of Abia State were well known.
Dr Ikpeazu noted that late Dr Ezikpe made his marks in the medical profession where he was a powerful pioneer, as well as on the political firmament, adding that he enjoyed a warm personal relationship with the late Ezikpe.
The Governor regretted that the vacuum created by his demise would be difficult to fill and urged the Abiriba Community, Abia State and those that came in contact with the deceased to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.
He urged the deceased family to take pride in the sterling achievements of their father and continue to fly the flag of excellence hoisted by the Late Dr Ezikpe.
Condoling the bereaved family, former Military Vice President and an indigene of Abiriba Community, Navy Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (Rtd), said that the deceased contributed immensely to the politics and affairs of the State where he played a pivotal role in the development of the health sector with outstanding landmarks in general medicine and service to humanity. He also described him as one of the most important sons of Abiriba Kingdom.
In a sermon, the Principal Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria , the Most Rev. Dr. Miracle Ajah, admonished Christians to fear the Lord today, to avoid regret tomorrow.
According to him, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” adding that those who fail to fear the Lord have lost every sense of value, describing Jesus Christ as the best friend anyone can boast of.
Presenting the biography of late Ezikpe on behalf of the family, the first son of the deceased, Mr George Anagha Ezikpe, described their father as a philanthropist and patriot, adding that he exhibited laudable and consistent devotion to humanitarian causes and overall service to community and mankind.
Ezeogo Dr Anagha Ezikpe who died at the aged of 91, is survived by six children and host of other relations.
The funeral service, which was presided over by the Prelate and Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Nzie Nsi Eke, who led a host of other top Ministers of the Gospel, was graced by the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, his wife, Lady Vivian, a former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Eric Acho Nwakanma, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Hon. Abraham Oba, Secretary to Government, Barrister Chris Ezem, and members of the State Executive Council, Elder Statesmen, Political Stakeholders, members of the Nigeria Medical Association and Traditional Rulers, among other groups.
