Former Presidents Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan have expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Chief Mathias Anohu, a former Permanent Secretary in Anambra State, whom they hailed as a distinguished public servant.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and Niger State Governor Umar Bago have also conveyed their deep sadness over the loss, emphasising that the admirable deeds of the deceased will ensure his legacy endures.
This wave of grief and condolences comes in advance of Chief Anohu’s funerals, commencing today, Thursday, with a Service of Songs in his honour at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja.
Obsequies released by the deceased’s eldest son, Engr. Victor Anohu, indicate that the Service of Songs will be succeeded by a requiem mass at The Cathedral of the Basilica of the Holy Trinity in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Wednesday, April 30, 2024. A funeral mass will take place in his honour at Christ the King Parish in Ubahu, Okija, Anambra State on Thursday, May 1, followed immediately by the interment of his remains at his family home in Okija.
In his condolence message to the Anohu family, Obasanjo reflected on the life of the late octogenarian as “a devout Christian, who lived his entire life in the service of God and humanity.” He added, “His life was also a practical demonstration of patriotism, professionalism, commitment and diligence in public service.”
Dr. Jonathan, in his tribute, praised Chief Anohu’s “unwavering integrity” as a hallmark of his character, noting that he left behind a legacy of children who have served the nation well. “The hope of every human is to leave a lasting legacy behind, one which Chief 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 and Chinelo, whose 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 stated.
Governor Mbah remarked, “Chief M. C Anohu will be remembered as a celebrated statesman, eminent Pharmacist, outstanding public servant, phenomenal community leader, renowned humanist and devout Catholic.”
Governor Bago, reflecting on the monumental nature of the loss, stated, “We sincerely found words inadequate in describing the sadness that engulfed us. He lived for and served humanity with passion.”
Chief Mathias Anohu passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the age of 84. He was appointed Permanent Secretary for Education in 1998 by Group Captain Rufai Garba, the Military Administrator of Anambra State at the time, and served as Commissioner 1 of the Anambra State Civil Service Commission during the administration of the late Dr. Chinweoke Mbadinuju.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Virgy Anohu; his sons, Engr. Victor Anohu and Hon. Emeka Anohu; his daughters Chinelo, Chinwe, Chinenye, and Chioma; as well as his brothers, sisters, and grandchildren, among others.
