Former Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, have expressed heartfelt grief over the passing on of former Permanent Secretary in old Anambra State, Mathias Anohu, describing him as a distinguished public servant.
In the same vein, Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu State, and Governor Umar Bago of Niger State have expressed sadness over the death, noting, however, that the deceased’s good works would immortalise him.
The outpouring of grief and condolences come ahead of Anohu’s funerals, which began on Thursday with a Service of Songs at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.
Obsequies released by the deceased’s eldest son, Victor Anohu, also shows that the Service of Songs would be followed by a requiem mass at The Cathedral of the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Anambra State, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, while the funeral mass would hold at Christ the King Parish, Ubahu, Okija, Anambra State on Thursday, May 1, 2025. This is to be followed immediately by interment of his remains at his country home, Okija.
In his condolence message to the Anohu family, Obasanjo recalled the lifetime of the late octogenarian as “a devout Christian, who lived his entire life in the service of God and humanity.
“His life was also a practical demonstration of patriotism, professionalism, commitment and diligence in public service,” he added.
On his part, Jonathan commended Anohu’s unwavering integrity” as his defining qualities, adding that he bequeathed a legacy of offspring that had rendered great service to the country.
“The hope of every human is to leave a lasting legacy behind, one which Anohu has achieved through his good works and his children, two of whom I have worked with in the service of our great nation – Honourable Emeka who served meritoriously in the 8th National Assembly in the House of Representatives.
Chinelo’s outstanding work in the Nigerian Pension Reform paved the way for her appointment by my administration as the first female Director general of the National Pension Commission,” he said.
In his message, Governor Mbah said, “Anohu will be remembered as a celebrated statesman, eminent Pharmacist, outstanding public servant, phenomenal community leader, renowned humanist and devout Catholic.”
On his part, Governor Bago said the death was too monumental to qualify. “We sincerely found words inadequate in describing the sadness that engulfed us. He lived for and served humanity with passion.,” Bago stated.
Anohu, who passed on on Monday, January 6, 2025, aged 84, was appointed Permanent Secretary for Education in 1998 by Group Captain Rufai Garba, Military Administrator of old Anambra State and served as Commissioner 1, Anambra State Civil Service Commission during the administration of the late Chinweoke Mbadinuju.
He is survived by his wife, Virgy Anohu; his sons, Victor and Emeka Anohu, and his daughters Chinelo, Chinwe, Chinenye, and Chioma, as well as his brothers, sisters, and grandchildren.
