From Kayode Lawal, Abuja.
The National Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Dr Dickson Ameh Akoh will on Saturday, September 14 play host to eminent Nigerians at his country home, Ogoli,Ugboju, in Otukpo local government area of Benue State as he buries his beloved father, Pa Simon Ameh Ojonye Akoh.
Eminent Nigerians expected to grace the ceremony are to be led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and former Benue state governor, Senator George Akume and will compromise federal lawmakers as well as top government functionaries.
At the home state, Father Hyacinth Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue state will lead his commissioners, state legislators and other government officials to Ogoli, Ugboju to honour the famous Akoh family at the burial ceremony.
Similarly, traditional rulers, notable politicians, media executives, community leaders, youth organization members, political party members and socio cultural groups in and around Benue state are also billed to grace the occasion at the instance of the Peace Corps Chief.
Pa Simon Ameh Ojonye Akoh, a retired Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Army, devoted Christian and community leader passed to his ancestors on July 16 at the ripe age of 96 years.
Burial arrangements made available by the Akoh family indicate that the body of Pa Simon Ameh Ojonye Akoh would on Friday, September 13 leave University Teaching Hospital for Ogoli, Ugboju, where an all night Christian wake-keep would be conducted for him at his family compound in Ogoli, Ugboju.
On Saturday, September 14, the burial program will reach the peak with an open air funeral service at the Methodist Primary School, Ogoli, Ugboju by 10am.
According to the arrangement, immediately after the open air funeral service, the remains of Pa Simon Ojonye Akoh would be committed to mother earth at his residence in Ogoli, Ugboju.
Entertainment of guests, sharring of stories, reminisce and paying of respect is slated to take place at the palatial Ambassador’s Villa, Onyagede road, Ogoli, Ugboju.
Our correspondents noted that virtually all the hotels in the area have been fully booked by guests wishing to honour the eldest child of pa Simon Ameh Ojonye Akoh who is the National Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria, Ambassador Dickson Ameh Akoh and his immediate and extended families with attendance.
According to sources, to make the burial ceremony befitting, memorable and linger in the memory of guests for a long time, series of rich cultural groups from across tribes have been lined up to entertain guests at the two days event.
Pa Simon Ameh Ojonye Akoh is survived by children, grand children, great grand children, uncles, cousins and relatives.