Friends, Associates Unveil Burial Committee For Scholar, Nation-builder Okengwu

Friends, associates and professional colleagues of the late Dr Emeka Flamming Okengwu have announced the constitution of a National Coordinating Committee (NCC) to oversee national tributes and funeral activities in honour of the respected scholar, development advocate and nation-builder.

The committee was formally constituted following the announcement by the family that Dr Okengwu, who lived between 1964 and 2026, will be laid to rest on Friday, 14th August, 2026, in his hometown of Umuorichi, Ohuhu, Abia State.

The committee has been mandated to coordinate national-level programmes celebrating the life, legacy, and far-reaching contributions of the late academic and public intellectual.

According to a press statement signed by Prof. Nick Ezeh, chairman, NCC and Lady Davina Stevens, organising secretary, a key highlight of the funeral arrangements is an Evening of Tributes and Songs scheduled for Monday, 3rd August, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Other members of the committee include Prof. Jerry Gana, Prof. Ken Ife, Prof. Peter Ntasiri Lassa, Rt Hon. Obinna Aguocha, Rt. Hon. Kunle Akinlade, Barr Kingston Ezeugo Chikwendu, Chief Dili Biosah, Otunba Akin Bobola, Dr Bitrus Pogu and Pastor John Dara, among others.

The committee said the event will provide a national platform to reflect on a life described as extraordinary in impact and reach.

“This announcement formally heralds the commencement of the funeral obsequies and national memorial activities for the late Dr Emeka Flamming Okengwu.

“It will bring together distinguished Nigerians, friends, associates, family members, professional colleagues, public officials, members of the academic community, business leaders, and admirers from within and outside the country to celebrate the life of a remarkable scholar, development advocate, entrepreneur, and nation-builder,” the statement added.

Throughout his lifetime, Dr Okengwu was recognised for his intellectual depth and interdisciplinary contributions spanning academia, economic policy, agriculture, mining and natural resource development, entrepreneurship, governance, public communication and socio-cultural transformation.

He was widely respected for his commitment to national development and innovation. As captured by the committee.

He distinguished himself through his commitment to excellence, innovation, and public service, leaving an indelible mark across multiple sectors of national life.