Religious leaders and stakeholders on Tuesday poured encomiums on the late Maxwell Anikwenwa, the Pioneer Bishop of Awka Diocese, who died on March 13, 2023, aged 82.
He was former Archbishop of Province II and a Retired Bishop of Awka Diocese, Church of Nigeria.
On a Day of Tribute in Awka on Tuesday, senior pastors and friends from all walks of life poured encomiums on the late Prelate. It was organised by the management of Paul’s University, Awka.
The Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace, Most Revd Henry Ndukuba, charged religious faithful to adhere to the footprints of late Anikwenwa.
Represented by the Bishop and Archbishop province of the Niger, Most Revd Alexander Ibezim, Archbishop Ndukuba described Anikwenwa as a pillar of development of ecumenism.
He said Anikwenwa was an exemplary and disciplinary man of God who did not mix his evangelism with mundane things.
Anambra Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, represented by Deputy Governor, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, said that Anikwenwa’s death called for a sober reflection and urged people to emulate his lifestyle to develop the state.
He cited the Holy Bible in Romans 14, verse 8, which says “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die unto the Lord.”
According to Soludo, Anikwenwa is being eulogised today but the best remembrance for him would be to apply his footprints in the Church.
Mr Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra, described the demise of Anikwenwa as a painful loss in all ramifications.
Obi, represented by Prof. Stella Okunna, said Anikwenwa showed profound interest in human progress, development and contributed significantly to good governance in Anambra.
“Archbishop Anikwenwa was an accomplished administrator, a highly revered clergy man, a principled church leader who laboured diligently in God’s vineyard.
“He was a true patriot. As a governor, I worked closely with him; he was one of those who will boldly and frankly speak truth to power.
“Even after my tenure as governor, our relationship remained quite cordial. We shall miss him dearly,” Obi said.
The Obi of Onitsha, High Royal Majesty, Obi Alfred Achebe, described the former dean as an encyclopedia of knowledge.
Represented by the Traditional Ruler of Ifitedunu community, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra, Igwe Emeka Ilouno, Obi Achebe described Anikwenwa as a peace pillar and an honesty personality, praying the church community to follow his footsteps.
The Obi of Onitsha said that Anikwenwa had great respect for the traditional institution and did so much to bridge gaps that may lead to disintegration in towns.
Chief GUO Okeke, Chairman, Finance Committee of the Church, said Anikwenwa would be greatly missed because what he represented in the state and church was massive.
Okeke said that words of wisdom gained from the late Archbishop was what earned the state what it is today.
He pledged to ensure that Anikwenwa’s legacies will not die, especially as he was instrumental for Paul University’s sustainability.
The current Bishop of Awka Diocese and Archbishop province of the Niger, His Grace Most Revd Alexander Ibezim, assured that he will uphold all Anikwenwa’s legacies.
Ibezim, in his tribute, prayed for the family and promised to continue from where Anikwenwa left his pastoral work.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Day of Tribute marked the beginning of late Anikwenwa “journey home”. (NAN)
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