By LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

ABUJA — The National Transition Committee responsible for the burial arrangement of late Professor Chinualumogu Achebe has unveiled the programme.

According to the committee, the burial of the late literary giant will be a week-long event. In a press briefing, yesterday, in Abuja, the Burial Coordinator, Professor Uzodinma Nwala, said the funeral rites will commence on Sunday, May 19, and run through Sunday, May 26.

Details of the programme showed that Sunday, May 19, will be a day of prayers and religious worship to at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, and simultaneously in other centres  across the country and abroad.

According to Nwala, Monday, May 20, will feature a symposium by the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

He said the day will also showcase tributes and a number of cultural troupes drawn from different parts of the country at the same venue.

May 21, body arrives

Nwala said on Tuesday, May 21, there would be airport reception as the body of the late professor arrive the country via Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

He said the body was also expected to be taken to the National Assembly for a reception and thereafter departs for Enugu, where it will be welcomed by south-eastern governors, led by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State.

He said: “It is also expected to proceed to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, for academic procession and ceremony.

“Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo will, same day, observe what the committee referred to as Ohanaeze Night of Mourning and Ikoro Salute in honour of late Achebe at its secretariat in Enugu.

“Achebe’s remains will leave Enugu for Awka, Anambra State, Wednesday, May 22 for the commencement of a celebration of life ceremony in which all state governors and federal ministers are expected to participate at the Alex Ekwueme Staduim.

“From the stadium, the body will leave for Ogidi, his hometown in Idemmli Local Government Area, where it shall make a brief stop before proceeding to the family compound.

Interment

“The funeral will climax with the interment of the professor, fondly called Iroko on May 23, after a church service at St. Philips Anglican Church, Ogidi.”

According to him, President Goodluck Jonathan, state governors, diplomats and international literary dignitaries will be in attendance.

He said: “Friday May 24 will feature Ikwa-Ozu in the family. Similarly, there will a Jumat service at the Central Mosque, Abuja, for the Muslim faithful who shall join other Nigerians in prayers for the repose of the soul of late Achebe.”

According to the schedule, Ikwa-Ozu will continue on Saturday May 25 in Achebe’s family compound.

Thanksgiving service, which will hold at St. Philips Anglican Church, Ogidi, on Sunday, May 26 is expected to mark the end of the ceremony.

Ekwerenmadu speaks

Speaking during the briefing, Chairman of the occasion and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekwerenmadu, described late Achebe as a world figure who impacted the world with his literary works, saying “we shall give late Professor Chinua Achebe a befitting and decent burial.”

Senator representing Achebe’s senatorial zone, Anambra Central in the Senate, Dr. Chris Ngige, extolled the virtues of Achebe, saying the memories of late academic guru would live for a long time in the hearts of those he touched with his works.

Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives, Professor Chudi Uwazurike, in his remarks on the occasion, said Achebe’s death was a hit to his friends and associates.

He, however, described his burial as a celebration of a life well lived.

The events attracted dignitaries across the country, including ANA’s Deputy President.

It would be recalled that Achebe died late last month in Boston, United States of America, USA.