OHANEZE NDIGBO MOURNS ARCHBISHOP ANIKWENWA
The Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide received with shock the sad news of the passing of the former Dean of the Church of Nigeria, former Archbishop on the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev’d Maxwell Anikwenwa, who was called to glory on Monday, March 13, 2023.
Archbishop Anikwenwa rendered invaluable supports to Ohaneze Ndigbo while alive. He was a notable member of Imeobi Ohaneze Ndigbo and would attend meetings, offering profound advice and organic solidarity. He stood for the unity of Ndigbo with a proviso that with the unity of purpose, the Igbo ingenuity, resourcefulness, cosmopolitanism and adventurism, will usher in a new paradigm and a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Anikwenwa distinguished himself as a moral edifice who loathed the lame argument that religion and Church do not mix, rather that the Church has enormous roles to play in sanitizing and edifying the democratic process for the good of the nation.
It resides in the lottery of life that, try as we may, only a few will attain the highest echelon of their calling or profession. To a great extent, while the cultivation of inestimable virtues such as hard work, discipline, humility and godliness is key, the grace of God is the ultimate. In other words, Archbishop Marxwell Anikwenwa was an iconic cleric whose roles in the service of God and humanity received the blessings of the Lord.
The Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR laments that the Igbo have lost eminent persons such as Ambassador Professor George Obiozor, Chief Mbazulike Amechi and now Anikwenwa, among others at a critical time that their services are most needed.
As St Paul would say; Marxwell Anikwenwa has fought a good fight and has finished the race. What awaits him now is the crown of the glory, which only the Lord, the upright judge will offer to him on the appointed day; and not only him but to all those who have longed for his appearing.
While we send our condolences to the Anglican Communion and the members of the immediate family, it is the prayers of all the organs of Ohaneze Ndigbo that the Almighty God will grant his soul an eternal rest in his bosom in his bosom.
Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
