The management and staff of the state Ministry of Health, Tuesday paid their last respect to the former Commissioner for Health, Late Prof. Anthony Ikemefuna Ugochukwu at the the Ministry’s headquarters in Enugu.
Speaking during the lying in state, the Hon. Commissioner for Health Dr Obi Emmanuel Ikechukwu commiserated with the family of the late Prof. and prayed that God would give them the fortitude to bear the loss. He charged the staff to always remember the legacy left behind by the Late Commissioner and live up to expectations. He described the late Professor Ugochukwu as a rare gem that couldn’t be forgotten and prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr Ifeanyi Agujiobi amidst tears described late Prof. Anthony Ugochukwu as a good, humble, caring and a loving father whom he cherished so much. He said that late Prof. Ugochukwu was an erudite professor who dedicated his life to the service of humanity and that he came to reposition the health sector but his dreams and aspirations for a better health sector under his administration was truncated by death.
The Permanent Secretary promised that the Ministry will honour his legacy by ensuring that his expectations for the sector is achieved under the new administration. He prayed for God to accept his soul to rest in the bossom of the Lord.
The Anglican Priest from the Cathedral Church of Good Shepherd Independence Layout, Enugu Rev. C. Chiagozie who accompanied the family to the Ministry of Health admonished staff and members of the family to have a reflection of their life now while still alive. He said that death is not a respecter of anybody, rank, academic qualifications or status and that they should bear in mind that it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the Judgment.(HEB 9:27) He urged everybody to repent and live a holy life because nobody knows the appointed time.
Prof. Ebele Ikepeazu, a Professor in University of Nigeria Nsukka and the younger sister to late Prof. Ugochukwu was highly delighted and she expressed gratitude to the commissioner of health Dr Obi Emmanuel Ikechukwu and the permanent Secretary Dr Ifeanyi Agujiobi and the members of management and staff for the honour they gave to her late brother by coming out enmasse to pay her brother his last respects.
It will be recalled that Late Prof. Anthony Ugochukwu was appointed the Commissioner for Health in October 2019 to pilot the affairs of the Ministry. He will be remembered for his peaceful disposition and passion to eliminate quackery in Enugu State.
His remains will be laid to rest on 30th October, 2020 at his home town Obinagu Isikwe Achi, Oji River LGA of Enugu State.
Adieu Erudite Professor!
Adieu Peaceful Man!
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.