…..Planning Committee Finalizes Plan For The Week-Long Event
Frankie Omokhua, Enugu
As preparations for the burial of Nigeria’s football legend, late Christian Chukwu, enter its final phase, Enugu state government has rolled out plans to immortalise the 1980 African Cup of Nations winner by naming a street after him and also build a statue in his honour inside the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
This development was made known by Hon. Monday Diamond Ani, Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee for late Christian Chukwu’s Burial Ceremony in Enugu on Friday.
“Yes, I’m aware that the proposal to have Chukwu’s statue at the stadium has been tabled before His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah”.
“However, I wouldn’t be in the best position to speak on that, except the Honourable Commissioner for Sports who has a broader knowledge to expatiate more on it”.
“Another proposal before the governor is to name a road or street after the football icon because he truly deserves even more”.
“Chukwu was a legend and a hero who did so many things in the game of football”.
Ani, further stated that Governor Mbah has taken up the responsibility to bankroll the burial event.
“As we speak, Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah, has taken up the responsibility to bankroll the burial. Already, we have started the planning with the Commissioner for Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, occupying the position as the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee”.
“Beyond that, the governor has also ensured that the road leading to Chukwu’s community or village is constructed to make sure there’s no obstruction or hitch to vehicular movement even though we are in raining season”.
The burial of Christian Chukwu will be a week-long event starting with a Service of songs at Saint Andrews Anglican Church in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, on August 10, Night of Tributes at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, on August 13.
In addition, there will be a Colloquium at the Enugu Sports Club on August 14, a Novelty match at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on August 15 and same day will be Christian Wake Keep in his hometown, Obe, in Nkanu West Local Government Area on August 15, while the funeral will take place on August 16, 2025.
