As Obi, Ndukuba, others pay last respect
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The remains of the Late Dean, Church of Nigeria, Anglican communion, Most Reverend Maxwell Samuel Chukwunweike Anikwenwa, were on Thursday buried in his hometown, Awkuzu, Anambra State.
Anikwenwa, who was the former Archbishop of Province II and the Retired Bishop of Awka Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), died on March 13, 2023, after a brief illness. He was aged 83.
At the cathedral church of St. Faith where his funeral service took place on Thursday, Anikwenwa was described as a true servant of God who led an exemplary and impactful life.
The Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, said late Bishop Anikwenwa lived a fulfilled life while on earth.
The primate said late Anikwenwa was a master builder who laid a good foundation and lived by the principle of service to God.
According to him, Bishop Anikwenwa was a servant of God who loved God and his people.
“He lived by the principles of selfless sacrifice and servitude to God and his people. He also lived by the principle of looking forward to eternal reward.
“He was the man that cherished the Church Missionary Society (CMS) that has been bequeathed to us. He lived a life of a good sojourner and hope builder. We thank God for the legacies that he has left behind. He invested in people and believed in the future and was a good team player and leader.”
He said the prelate was a soldier who fought hard for the growth of the church in Nigeria. He said his death is not only a loss to the church of Nigeria, but to the entire nation.
While the Primate prayed God to remain a father to the family, he reassured that the church will continue to pray for the family noting that the legacies of the departed will continue to live on.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo represented by the Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, said Anikwenwa was known for his ecumenism. He also said his legacies and developmental milestones will be remembered by the Church, the state and the country at large.
Meanwhile, the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, said that the late prelate left indelible legacies in Anglican communion and the larger society, which will remain relevant in generations to come.
He expressed hope that the departed is in heaven with the Lord.
Speaking to newsmen, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election, Peter Obi, said the late Archbishop was a great Nigerian who contributed meaningfully to the growth of the the church and nation.
According to him: “late Maxwell Anikwenwa was a great man who contributed meaningfully beyond his pastoral work of God in building a better Nigeria. If you know him very well, he involved himself in advocating for good governance and for a better Nigeria. He was a great Nigerian and a great Igbo man.”
Earlier in his sermon, Anglican Bishop of Ikwerre, Niger Delta Province, Blessing Enyindah, urged all affected by the demise of the archbishop not to be troubled but be comforted in Christ.
He urged Christians to examine the life they live, noting that they cannot live their life anyhow and against the will of God especially in the present perilous times.
