Achebe’s corpse arrives for burial

The remains of the renowned novelist, Prof. Chinua Achebe, arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at exactly 6.00am on Tuesday. It was received by the author’s wife, Christy and children: Ike, Chidi, Chinelo and Nwando, in-laws and top dignitaries from different spheres of life.
The corpse laid inside a dark brown-coloured casket, covered with Nigerian flag, was lifted down from the aircraft into an Oxblood coloured ambulance whose plate number had the author’s name, Chinua Achebe, as inscription.
It was ushered into the reception hall of the airport in a procession led by the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Bishop Owen Nwokolo, accompanied by the family members, Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, Secretary to the  Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim; Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; former Abia State Governor, Ogbonaya Onu and  former minister of state for Education, Dr. Jerry Agada, among others.
The service commenced with hymns and prayers as movement was restricted at the airport.
In his sermon, Nwokolo said Achebe was a great man of dignity and excellence.
He said: “I remember today Achebe’s legendary statement which said, ‘if a man returns from a long journey, and no one says welcome, he feels he has not arrived or at all.” We are gathered to say nno to Achebe. He has come back, though dead but we know that his works keep him alive in our heart. We are gathered to receive him because of what he has accomplished throughout the world.”

He said Achebe would be remembered for his humility, patriotism and transparency, adding that he was a man who lived an exemplary life. “He was contented with what he had. He rejected the national honours twice because he wanted the government to correct their corrupt system first. While others lived all their lives to corner wealth, Achebe lived an exemplary life. The world should learn from his legacies. He was wealthy but never allowed his wealth to mar his reputation,” he said.
Obi said Achebe lived the life he preached in his books. Although he was the only governor at the airport to receive Achebe, he claimed he was representing other Nigerian governors.
Ike, Achebe’s first born said he was astonished by the response he got from all over the world, noting that the support the family has received over his father’s transition has been tremendous. He said: “I want to appreciate everyone that has worked tirelessly to ensure that the transition is peaceful. I thank you all.”
Achebe’s body was later flown to Enugu from where it would leave for Ogidi, Anambra State, for other funeral activities.

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