The family of the late former Second Republic lawmaker, Engineer Ernest Madu Onyekwena, has slated Friday, August 30th, to Saturday, August 31st, 2024, for the funeral arrangements in Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
The late Onyekwena, popularly called Omekannaya 1 Ufuma, lived between 1946 and 2024.
He was a distinguished member of the Second Republic of the old Anambra State House of Assembly in 1983. Elected under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He served alongside notable figures such as the late President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari (GCFR), the late Vice President Dr. Alexander Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme (GCON), and the then Executive Governor of Anambra State, the late Chief Christian Chukwuma (C.C.) Onoh.
Beyond his political career, the late Sir Ernest Madu Onyekwena was an accomplished agricultural engineer. He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE; a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers, NIAE; and a Registered Engineer with the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN. He was also a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Agricultural Engineers and a one-time South-East Regional Chairman.
He was a pioneer in agricultural engineering, leaving an indelible mark on the industry through his innovative projects and his dedication to improving food security in Nigeria. His career, spanning over five decades, is marked by an unwavering commitment to innovation and a passion for building a stronger agricultural infrastructure.
He was a recipient of different honours for his work in agriculture, including the “Award of Outstanding Excellence in Agricultural Engineering Practice”; he was also named one of the most successful agricultural engineers by “Giants of Agricultural Engineers in Nigeria.”.
Engr. Dr. Ernest Madu Onyekwena’s dedication to education remains a cornerstone of his legacy. His commitment to fostering knowledge and opportunity for future generations is evident in his actions, both within his professional career and in his service to his community and the nation at large.
In a statement signed by his son, the Deputy Director, Infectious Diseases Advocacy, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Obinna Onyekwena, on behalf of the family, the late Sir Ernest Madu Onyekwena’s funeral rites will commence with a Service of Song on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 5 p.m. at his Enugu residence.
Other lined-up burial activities that will precede the interment are a valedictory session, which will take place in his honour at the Anambra State House of Assembly Legislative building on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
The Christian wake will take place on the 30th of August 2024, by 6:pm, at the late Onyekwena’s country home in Ufuma, Anambra State. The burial activities shall be capped with a Thanksgiving service by 9 at the Holy Trinity Church, Ufuma.
Dignitaries expected at the burial ceremony include the Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo; the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; the Minister of Health, Ali Pate; the deputy governor of Enugu State, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai; the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; and the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Ugwu; traditional leaders from around the country; as well as other notable Nigerians and individuals from around the world.
In the meantime, prominent Nigerians throughout the world have begun to send in their condolence messages. In his message, His Royal Highness, Diji III of Ufuma, the traditional ruler of Ufuma town, described the late Onyekwena as a community champion. He called on all natives of Ufuma to come out en masse to pay their last respects to the late Chief, Sir, Engr. Dr. Ernest Madu Onyekwena.
The statement said: “The late Onyekwena’s life was a beacon of inspiration for his peers, his family, his community, and the nation at large. His achievements were not only remarkable but also unique, reflecting his commitment to excellence and his dedication to making a difference.
“He will be remembered as a true visionary, a leader, and a champion for progress.”
