In what promises to be a mother of all events in recent time, the much awaited burial programme of late chief Mrs. HID Awolowo, the Matriarch of Awolowo dynasty . We were informed that the burial ceremony is not only going to attract heavy presence of Government officials at all levels but also hosts of Bishops, priests and pastors of over 400 from all denominations. Also, Nollywood stars and top musicians are billed to perform during the eleven day programme scheduled to celebrate life and death of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s jewel of inestimable value.
Late Chief HID Awolowo who was to clock her centenary on Wednesday November 25, 2015 shall be buried at the Awolowo’s masoleum, inside her Ikenne home on same day amid pomp.
While addressing a press conference at Efunyela Hall, Ikenne on Thursday, 5th of November, the Chairman, programme Committee Mrs. Tola Oyediran informed the burial programme is scheduled to begin with lying in state at Park Lane, Apapa, Lagos on Sunday 15th of November 2015 after which a Christian interdenominational service shall take place at the same venue before departing for Ibadan where another lying in state is expected to take place at the Tribune House on Monday 16th.
A book presentation event; a biography of HID Awolowo titled, The Life and Times of Mama HID Awolowo is also billed to hold on Wednesday 18th.
As official chief mourner, the Government of Ogun State which was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa at the press conference is no doubt playing a major role in order to give the late Awolowo’s matriarch a befitting burial.
According to Adeoluwa, part of laudable steps taken by the Government includes a progamme tagged “Ogun State celebrates HID” which is scheduled to hold at Sagamu International Stadium on Monday 24th where cultural displays, drama sketches are going to be featured. Also top musicians like King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, Tope Alabi and hosts of hip hop musicians are also billed to perform.
Some of the Nollywood artists being expected at the event include Saheed Balogun, Dele Odule, Adebayo Salami, Chief Jimoh Aliu and several others.
Grand finale of the eleven day events which is to be the Funeral Service and internment is indeed going to attracts thousands of dignitaries to the ancient town of Ikenne on the Wednesday 25th as over 60 Anglican Bishops, 300 priests of various denominations and other pastors of different churches are to take part in the burial service of late HID Awolowo.
Also, friends and guests of the Awolowo’s are going to be serenaded by many top musicians including King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Adewale Ayuba and several others.