Dr Dalhatu Tafida, Nigeria’s High Commissioner in the UK on Wednesday pledged consular support for the burial preparations of late Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Tafida gave the pledge when he received the leadership of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK) and Ojukwu Burial Committee UK Chapter who came to brief him on the burial preparations in his office in London.
“The mission has always identified with Nigerians in the UK on various issues whenever the need arises, how much more on an issue that affects a statesman like the late Chief Ojukwu who is literarily everything to so many Nigerians,’’ Tafida said.
He added that it was also part of the mission’s statutory responsibilities to render consular assistance to all Nigerians in the UK.
The envoy, who described Ojukwu as an illustrious Nigerian, added that he deserved to be recognised as a statesman.
“In the case of Ojukwu, he was a great man, whether we like it or not, he not only deserved recognition while alive, he should also be accorded full honours after his death.
“I believe even if there is no state burial, there can be an official burial for him, befitting the giant stature of this extra-ordinary man,’’ Tafida stressed.
He commended the committee for coming together to celebrate the late Ojukwu’s life in the Diaspora before the final burial back in Nigeria.
Earlier, Mr Onyeka Ngbaso, the Chairman of the Burial Committee, who briefed Tafida on the level of preparations, said a requiem mass would hold on the Jan. 26 in honour of the late Ikemba, to be followed by a reception in London.
Ngbaso while soliciting for the High Commissioner’s assistance and support said the events were being planned in collaboration with CANUK to ensure that all Nigerians from the six geo-political zones are given the opportunity to participate.
“We in the UK are carrying every one along to ensure that Ojukwu gets a befitting burial; he was a statesman and a symbol for all Nigerians,’’ Ngbaso added.
Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu died on 26 of November 2011 at a London hospital at the age of 78 after suffering a stroke.