The famous Niteshift Coliseum in Ikeja on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 played host to a scintillating press conferences to unveil the much expected burial programme of the nation’s Lady of Songs, Christy Essien-Igbokwe who will be laid to rest in Lagos on Friday, September 9. A galaxy of stars of both the music and movie industries graced the conference attended by journalists from practically every serious media organization in the land.
Addressing the conference, the Chairman, of the Christy Essien- Igbokwe National Burial Committee, Dr. Austin Izagbo, a former Delta State Commissioner for Youth, Sports & Culture, said that the widespread reaction to the death of the Lady of Songs is proof that the loss is not just that of the Igbokwe or Essien families but that of a nation. He said that it was for the stated reason that on July 6, friends, colleagues, admirers and professionals of different persuasions met at the Igbokwe family residence in Lagos and decided to form the Christy Essien-Igbokwe Burial Committee. It was also decided that rather than mourn her death, her passing should be celebrated in a grand fashion and used to achieve several objectives that she lived for.At the conference at which a dazzling array of events leading to Essien-Igbokwe’s final burial was reviewed, Dr. Izagbo announced that a Christy Essien-Igbokwe Memorial Endowment Fund account has been set up not just to fund her burial activities but to initiate or support such programmes and causes that will immortalize her name and ideals. Emphasizing that the committee has taken several steps to ensure that the fund is managed with utmost transparency and professionalism, he appealed to the millions of people and institutions touched in different ways by the life, career, songs, acting, philanthropy and numerous social activities of the late Christy Essien-Igbokwe to make contributions to the fund through the nearest Zenith Bank branch and identify with the plans to immortalize the lady who brought happiness to many across Nigeria. The Fund presently has a Zenith Bank account number 1003604455.
It was also announced that a delegation of the committee had met with Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State not only to brief the governor of the burial plans but to resolve the well known differences between the Igbokwe family and the Akwa Ibom State government. According to Dr. Izagbo, “Involved in the discussions were members of the Essien family fromOkat, Onna LGA of Akwa Ibom State. We are happy to announce the assurances of Governor Akpabio of the full participation of the government of Akwa Ibom State in the burial ceremonies of Christy Essien-Igbokwe”
It was also revealed that the committee had met with Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State from where the Igbokwe’s hail. The governor was represented at the conference by his Senior Special Assistant, Lady Ucheoma Chukwudum who reiterated the participation of the Government of Anambra State in the funeral programme.
Also at the Conference was the Federal Director of Culture, Mr. George Ufot who represented the Minister of Culture, Tourism & National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke and who assured the conference of the full support of the Federal Government in the celebration of the life of Christy Essien-Igbokwe, a recipient of the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic.
Among the many female stars who stormed the press conference to identify with their own were Onyeka Onwenu, Yinka Davies, Stella Monye, Keffe, Eva, Stella Damasus, Gloria Doyle, Essence, Yeni Kuti, Kenny Saint Brown Clarion Chukwurah, etc. Also present was Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria, Chief Tony Okoroji who coordinated the conference.
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NONYE BEN NWANKWO
