The New Experience Newspapers Online News Indepth, Analysis and More
Azura West Africa MD, Engr. Chinedu Okeke, Buries Mother In Grand Ceremony
By Prince Benson Davies
The historic town of Igbo-Ukwu in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State will come alive this weekend as colleagues, friends, well-wishers, power sector stakeholders and members of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Alumni Association gather to celebrate the life and times of Late Madam Beatrice Mgbenkwo Okeke.
Late Madam Okeke, who died on Tuesday, 18th August, 2026 at the age of 92, is the mother of Engr. Chinedu Eric Okeke, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Azura West Africa.
She was the beloved wife of Late Paul Obiajulu Okeke Nkanyimuo of Ihuchie Village, Ihuowelle, Igbo-Ukwu.
The marriage was blessed with five children, two sons-in-law, two daughters-in-law, 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
According to the burial programme released by the family and signed by Mr. Anthony Okeke, the funeral rites will commence on Friday, 30th October, 2026 with a Wake Keep / Service of Songs at 4pm at Late Paul Okeke’s compound, Ihuchie Village, Igbo-Ukwu.
The main funeral activities will hold on Saturday, 31st October, 2026. The body will leave the mortuary at 7am for a brief stopover at her father’s compound, Late Mr. Elias Agwuncha’s compound at Mgbudu Village, Ichida, Aniocha LGA, Anambra State.
Lying-in-state will commence at 9am at her compound in Igbo-Ukwu, followed by Funeral Service and interment immediately after.
Condolence visits will follow after interment, while the Outing Service will hold on Sunday, 1st November, 2026 at 8:30am at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ihuowelle, Igbo-Ukwu.
Late Madam Beatrice Mgbenkwo Okeke is survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Engr. Chinedu Okeke, who is widely respected in Nigeria’s power sector for his leadership at Azura West Africa.
Family sources disclosed that the burial is expected to attract captains of industry from the power sector, top executives from across the corporate world, leaders of the UNN Alumni Association, traditional rulers, and members of the clergy who will join the Okeke dynasty to give the matriarch a befitting farewell.
Late Madam Okeke was described as a devout Christian, community leader, and matriarch who lived a life of service, humility and discipline, and who instilled strong moral values in her children.
May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
