(SINL NIGERIA) The National Burial Committee for the late former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Agunwa Anaekwe on Thursday announced his burial programme in Abuja.
The committee has Deputy speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) as chairman and co-chairman respectively.
Recall, the late former Speaker died on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, at the age of 69.
Further recall that Anaekwe led the third house of representatives at 36 under the interim civilian government of Ernest Shonekan in 1992 until General Sani Abacha seized power the following year.
Addressing the press on the burial programme, Senator Osita Izunaso said the committee has been working tirelessly with the family, friends and associates as well as well-wishers of Chief Anaekwe to ensure that every aspect of the funeral reflects his values: truthfulness, discipline, integrity, humility, and love for the people.
He stated that “as a committee, it is our solemn duty to inform you that plans are underway to give this illustrious son of Anambra State a befitting funeral”.
According to Izunaso, the funeral will not merely be a ceremony, but a celebration of life with honor, courage, and dedication to the service of God and humanity.
Consequently, “we use this occasion to announce the following dates, locations, and times of the funeral activities”.
“First, Thursday, October 2nd, 2025. We will have a requiem mass in his honor by 12 o’clock in the afternoon at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja. On the same Thursday, October 16th, we will have a night of tribute at the National Ecumenical Centre, Central Business District, Abuja, by 5:00 PM.
“On Thursday, October 16th, 2025, there will be a valedictory session at the National Assembly, particularly in the House of Representatives chambers, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The same day, Thursday, October 16th, we will have another valedictory session at the Anambra State House of Assembly, between the hours of 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
“There will be a vigil mass in his compound Anambra State, the same day, between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Wake keep will follow the same day between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
“Friday, October 17th, 2025, there will be a funeral mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Anambra State, by 11:00 AM. Interment will follow immediately at his compound by 2:00 PM”.
Senator Izunaso, who is also the chairman, Senate committee on capital market stated that “It is our desire that these ceremonies will not only pay respect to Chief Anaekwe’s memory, but also inspire the next generation of leaders to embrace the spirit of selfless service that defined his life”.
Senator Izunaso maintained that the deceased made history in 1992 when he became the Speaker of the House of Representatives at the age of 36 years during the 4th Republic, which made him the youngest person to have ever held that position.
“We recall also that during his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives, he provided courageous and principal leadership at a critical junction in Nigerian democratic history, resisting efforts by anti-democratic forces to erode the independence of the Senate, and assuring that the National Assembly remained the true voice of the Nigerian people.
“You will also know that he was more than a political leader; he was a patriot, a bridge builder, and a relentless advocate of justice, fairness, and the dignity of human persons.
“He gave his best in service to our great nation. He distinguished himself as a true statesman. His contributions to democracy in Nigeria will remain indelible in our history” he added.
