For his uncommon philanthropy and huge investment in service of God and humanity, Governor Willie Obiano has called for the beatification of the late Chief Dr. Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme, who has been laid to rest at his country home in Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area, amid ovation by the Church, Community and Political leaders, captains of industry and business associates.
A Requiem Mass was concelebrated by the Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Peter Okpaleke, as well as Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev Dr.
Augustine Echema at St. James Catholic Parish Neni.
Governor Willie Obiano, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, described late Chief Enukeme as a man with peculiar philanthropic module, which Ndigbo must sustain as a shared value.
Governor Obiano, who recommended Church recognition for the deceased, said his numerous ongoing people-oriented projects will be sustained as a way of promoting his legacies.
In a homily, the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye, described the deceased as one who impacted positively on many through words and actions, saying he and many others derived pleasures and lessons from his “Tonimas Half Hour and other programmes on ABS radio, calling on the children to uphold it and his think-home philosophy, for which he had investment scattered in his Neni community, Anambra State and beyond.
Some sympathizers, including Senator Victor Umeh, who represented Anambra Central at the Eight National Assembly, Traditional Prime Minister of Achalla and member representing Awka North in the State Assembly, Chief John Nwokoye.
Consultant to the State government on INEC matters, Dr. Amaka Akudo, as well as the President of Rotary Club of Awka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Rotarian Abuchi Nwozor, described the deceased as a mentor, father figure and consummate industrialist, who used his company, Tonimas, with six hundred and sixty-four service stations nationwide, to touch lives, thereby helping government to address challenges of unemployment in the society.
While promising to sustain their late father’s legacies, Mr. Azubike Enukeme, on behalf of others, thanked the Church, community and political leaders for their show of love at their moment of bereavement.
Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, represented by Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike, Former Central Bank Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Member representing Anaocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka Federal Constituency, Honourable Dozie Nwankwo, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Sir Norbert Obi, many Reverend Fathers and Sisters attended the funeral.