The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of His Grace, the Most Revd. Maxwell Anikwenwa.
Anikwenwa was the pioneer Bishop, Diocese of Awka; former Archbishop Province of the Niger and Dean Emeritus Church of Nigeria.
The funeral service, which was a Holy Communion Service, took place at the Cathedral Church Of Saint Faith Awka, Anambra State.
Speaking at the event, Senator Victor Umeh described the demise of Archbishop Anikwenwa as a great loss not only to the Anglican Communion but the Igbo people of Nigeria.
He said, “Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa was a great Christian and servant of God in the Anglican Communion. Above all for us who love him, he was a strong and patriotic Igboman.
“When he retired from clergy work, he dedicated his last years to the service of the Igbo people of Nigeria; speaking against injustice and marginalization.
“We lost someone ready to defend our rights in Nigeria. We wish him farewell because he combined all the talents God gave him to serve humanity and his people. We pray that from among those who are alive, courageous people should stand out on behalf of Christianity and the Igbo people of Nigeria; so we miss him greatly,” he said.
Senator Umeh urged the Anikwenwa family to take the death of the late Archbishop in good faith because the deceased left the world in a blaze of glory.
The service was also attended by Anambra State Deputy Governor – Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, the first female Governor in Nigeria – Dame Virgy Etiaba, many Anglican bishops, and priests, clerics from other Christian denominations, traditional rulers, as well as family and friends of the deceased.
