By Nwakpa O Nwakpa
The Nwodo family of Ukehe in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area in Enugu state has made public the burial program of their patriarch, Dr. Joe Nwodo, the Agadagbachiriuzo1 of Ukehe who died on March 10, in a London Hospital at the age of 77 years.
According to a statement from the Co- Chairman of the Burial Committee, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, there will be a night of tributes on Sunday May 30, at JD Leisure Center, Kashim Ibrahim Way, Maitama in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The Abuja program is intended to bring top political, economic and professional associates of the Nwodo family to give a deserving farewell and honour to one of the country’s outstanding professional, lawyer and politician.
It is expected that political exploits of late Joe Nwodo in the still born 3rd Republic, in the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), will be relayed by his associates who are expected to grace the night.
In Enugu on June 1st, there will also be another night of tributes at Chris Hall, Amodeo Event Center, behind Elim Plaza, off Ebeano Tunnel.
And on Thursday, June 3rd, there will be a valedictory court session in his honour at the Justice I.A. Umezurike Auditorium, Enugu High Court.
Burial and funeral ceremonies will be in Ukehe on Saturday June 5, with a funeral mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Ukehe, and interment immediately after mass at Dr. Joe Nwodo’s Residence, Ukehe House.
According to Ike Abonyi, Co-chairman, Burial Publicity Sub-Committee, “Dr Nwodo completed his earthly race on the 10th of March, 2021, at a hospital in the United Kingdom after a protracted illness which he battled indefatigably.
“He lived a very fulfilled life; was one of the most notable politicians to emanate from Nsukka cultural zone also known as Enugu North Senatorial zone, and indeed Nigeria. “He was once a presidential aspirant of the defunct NRC, when he showcased a political style and flair that was second to none.
“He was a social phenomenon. A man who wrote the most brilliant and sesquipedalian speeches. “Gigantesque in size and in intellect. Many referred to his intellectual and literary ability as ‘a gift, inborn, a knack, a talent’. “One thing was certain, Joe Nwodo operated on a literary frequency higher than most, one that could only be compared to a supernatural being, ‘god-like’.
He was indeed a rare breed. A mastermind, and genius of our time. “He was a lover of the poor ‘Ochendo umu-ogbenyi’. His love and ambitions for the great people of Nsukka was unfathomable as it was immeasurable.
“He is survived by his wife, children grandchildren, brothers, sisters, that includes the former Commissioner of Education in Enugu state, Chief (Mrs.) Grace Obayi, former Governor of Enugu state, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, the former Minister of Information and immediate-past President General of apex Igbo organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo and the great people of Nsukka who remained embedded deeply in his heart, mind and lips even at the point of death”.
