By: Ike Philip Abiagom
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] dark cloud enveloped the residence of Elumelu family in Ibusa, when the news filtered in that Ezinne (Mrs) Anna Kanebi Elumelu nee Nzekwue had passed on. Yours sincerely with other close friends and family members of the Mrs Tonia Akindele nee Elumelu were around when the news broke out and the challenge was on how to manage the situation as it was at the heat of time when Mrs Tonia Akindele was preparing for daughter’s wedding.
Trust Nigerians as they showed palpable love for Mrs Tonia Akindele! Her residence in London became a Mecca of sorts. A condolence register was opened. As we get set to lay to rest the remains of (Mrs) Anna Kanebi Elumelu nee Nzekwue, one will not fail to note that though death is the inevitable end of all mortals, it is also, very painful to lose a dear one, especially, a mother who played so much roles in your life until the end. So, one can only imagine what will be going through the mind of Mrs Tonia Akindele nee Elumelu, Co-Founder, The Light Diabetes Organisation as she prepares to bid her mother final farewell on Friday, October 20, 2023.
Expectedly, Mrs Akindele has been very busy and attempts to reach her for a brief interview concerning the preparations for the burial proves abortive but made she made a few statement ,Mrs Akindele in the statement stated that: “On behalf of her siblings and the entire Elumelu family, I wish to express our profound gratitude to all those who have reached out to us through visits and messages since the transition of our loving and lovely mother, (Mrs) Anna Kanebi Elumelu nee Nzekwue. It has been a deluge.
“Your display of love is profoundly appreciated. We cannot thank you enough. Your love and kindness are, indeed, potent enhancers for us to deepen our abiding faith in God and service to humanity.
“We are equally grateful to those who spared time to visit us in London and Nigeria.
“We extend our appreciation to those who visited us and everyone who has identified with us and other members of the Elumelu family in Ibusa, Lagos and Abuja. Your affectionate support is heart-lifting.
“We appreciate the love and sympathy of political leaders, royal fathers, religious leaders, community leaders, heads of security agencies, organised labour, unionists, civil servants, public officials and christian mothers.
“We would like to request friends, associates and well-wishers to join us in giving our late matriarch a glorious funeral. We covet your prayers and support as we prepare to celebrate the life of (Mrs) Anna Kanebi Elumelu nee Nzekwue”