LATE Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, will be given a full military burial when the time of his internment comes, according to presidency sources who revealed that President Jonathan has issued directives to the effect.
Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly Chief Benjamin Uwajimogu who disclosed this yesterday said: “I want to announce that the President has approved that he (Ojukwu) be given military burial according to military tradition.”
The development came as the Imo State government said it would on February 22 inaugurate the board of the Ikemba Nnewi (Ojukwu) Centre to man the Research Institute of Culture in Owerri. The Speaker who is the Chairman of Imo Local Organising Committee for the burial of Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the announcement yesterday in Owerri.
Uwajimogu, in company of a member of the committee, Ikenna Eme and Ngozi Pat-Ekeji, among others said the burial programme had been captioned “Seven Days for the Hero”, adding that the centre known as Ikemba Ojukwu Centre was the first of its kind in the Southeast in memory of the fallen hero. A photo exhibition to be covered by electronic and print media, he said, would be held at the centre.
According to the Speaker, on February 24, the centre will be commissioned, while an inaugural lecture on the late Igbo leader will be held at the Ahiajoku Convention Centre on Saturday, February 25. The lecture tilted: “Effective Leadership in 21st century” is to be delivered by the Acting Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. Berthram E. B. Nwoke.
Uwajimogu said Ojukwu’s body would arrive in Owerri via Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport about 11 a.m. on February 27, adding that it would remain in the state till the second day when it is expected to depart for Abia. As a mark of honour, Eme said black T-Shirts would be distributed during the “Ichonnadi” to mourners, while Ojukwu’s body will be taken round Owerri city in a motorcade.