The Anglican community, friends and well wishers gathered in their numbers in Awka to pay their last respect to the late Most Reverend Maxwell Anikwenwa, the pioneer Archbishop of the Niger and former Dean Church of Nigeria.
Friends, family, College of Bishops, House of Clergy, and laity of the Church converged on Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, to bid farewell to the highly respected spiritual leader.
Most Reverend was the pioneer Bishop, Diocese of Awka between 1987 and 2010, Archbishop Province II between 1998 and 2002, pioneer Archbishop of the Niger between 2002 and 2010 and Dean, Church of Nigeria between 2000 and 2010.
He was also Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Anambra State Chapter between 2002 and 2008.
The burial service commenced with a procession of mourners including bishops, priests, dignitaries from various religious denominations and government officials.
The Primate of All Nigeria and Archbishop Metropolitan, Most Reverend Dr. Henry Ndukuba, highlighted Most Reverend Anikwenwa’s deep-rooted faith and his unwavering commitment to serving others, describing him as a guiding light within the Anglican community.
Archbishop Ndukuba, while condoling with the family, thanked God for the legacies left by the deceased and his commitment to education, community leadership, and development.
In their various remarks, the senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, Senator Victor Umeh, and the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Honourable Somotochukwu Udeze said the legacies of late Archbishop Anikwenwa will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of Anglican leaders and faithful.
They pointed out that his tireless dedication to his calling and his profound impact on the lives of those he served will be remembered.
Earlier during the sermon, the Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, while advising Christians to live in service of God and be careful in their actions, said that trials are opportunities for God to demonstrate his power and consoled the family of the deceased, urging them to take solace as he said that heaven has gained a saint who lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation.
In a vote of thanks, the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, expressed gratitude to all who supported and graced the ceremony, praying to God to lead them back to their destinations.
In attendance were the deputy governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, former Governors of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Dame Virgy Etiaba, the member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Professor Lilian Orogbu, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, other government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, among others.
The church resounded with soul-stirring melodies as the congregation joined together in song, celebrating the life and legacy of the late Most Reverend Maxwell Anikwenwa.
Following the church service, a procession was made to his hometown of Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area where the deceased was laid to rest at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Awkuzu.
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