The inaugural meeting of the grand burial committee set up to coordinate activities and programmes for the final journey of the great music icon and Nigerian patriot decided in a meeting on July 6, 2011 for a set burial date laying to rest song goddess Chhristy Essien Igbokwe.
The grand burial committee, which has former Delta State Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Austin Izagbo as chairman and Mr. Fred Romeo Obika as Coordinating Secretary, has set up seven sub-committees charged with the duty of designing and executing specific aspects of the burial programme. The sub committees have been directed to start work immediately. The aim is to give the Lady of Songs who gave happiness to millions of people in Nigeria and beyond a deserved and unforgettable farewell.
The sub-committees include Publicity – headed by former PMAN president and Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji and made up of several journalists across the length and breadth of the Nigerian media, many who were friends to the fallen songstress; Ceremonial, Welfare, Security, Special Duties, Logistics and Finance. One of the key decisions of the meeting which held at the Ikeja residence of the Igbokwe family was that a dedicated “Christy Essien-Igbokwe Endowment Fund” account be set up immediately and be managed with utmost transparency and professionalism by a finance sub-committee made up of Chairman of the grand committee, Mr. Austin Izagbo; constitutional lawyer, Mr. Fred Agbaje; Mr. Marcel Ikedudu, a retired banker; Dr. Patrick Igbokwe, member of the Igbokwe family and Mr. Mike Ejezie. The account will act as a single repository for all contributions and donations towards the burial activities.
Before adjourning the meeting of the full committee, it was decided that all the subcommittees get together, expand themselves where necessary and come to the next full committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 13 with their reports. It was also decided that all those nominated to be part of the burial committee who could not be present at the inaugural meeting be contacted to attend the meeting of July 13. Among those present at the meeting were Mr. Tee Mac Itseli, Mr. Laolu Akins, Mr. Emma Ogosi, Ms Clarion Chukwurah, Ms. Yeni Kuti, Barrister Fred Agbaje, and Mr. Muka Popoola.
The lady of songs who would have been 51 in November had her first album (Freedom) in 1976 at aged 16 and wedded Edwin Igbokwe three years later.She followed up with other albums; 'Patience', 'Time Waits for No One'(both 1978), 'One Understanding' (1979), 'Give Me A Chance' (1980), however her 1981 hit album, 'Ever Liked My Person' remains her best LP till date.
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