The Sun
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan have expressed deep grief over the passing of Chief Mathias Anohu, former Permanent Secretary in Anambra State, describing him as a distinguished public servant. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Niger State Governor Umar Bago also mourned his death, noting that his good works would ensure his legacy endures.
The condolences come as Chief Anohu’s funeral rites begin today, Thursday, with a Service of Songs at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja. According to the obsequies released by his eldest son, Engr. Victor Anohu, a requiem mass will follow on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at The Cathedral of the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, Onitsha, Anambra State. A funeral mass is scheduled for Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Christ the King Parish, Ubahu, Okija, Anambra State, followed by interment at his Okija country home.
Obasanjo, in his condolence message, described Anohu as a devout Christian who lived his entire life in the service of God and humanity. “His life was also a practical demonstration of patriotism, professionalism, commitment and diligence in public service,” he added.
Jonathan praised Anohu’s unwavering integrity, noting his legacy through his children. “The hope of every human is to leave a lasting legacy behind, one which Chief Anohu has achieved through his good works and his children, two of whom I have worked with in the service of our great nation – Honourable Emeka who served meritoriously in the 8th National Assembly in the House of Representatives and Chinelo, whose outstanding work in the Nigerian Pension Reform paved the way for her appointment by my administration, as the first female Director General of the National Pension Commission,” he said.
Governor Mbah said, “Chief M. C. Anohu will be remembered as a celebrated statesman, eminent pharmacist, outstanding public servant, phenomenal community leader, renowned humanist and devout Catholic.”
Governor Bago described the loss as monumental. “We sincerely found words inadequate in describing the sadness that engulfed us. He lived for and served humanity with passion,” he stated.
Chief Mathias Anohu, who died on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 84, served as Permanent Secretary for Education in 1998 under Group Captain Rufai Garba, then Military Administrator of Anambra State, and as Commissioner 1, Anambra State Civil Service Commission during Dr. Chinweoke Mbadinuju’s administration. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Virgy Anohu; sons, Engr. Victor Anohu and Hon. Emeka Anohu; daughters, Chinelo, Chinwe, Chinenye, and Chioma; as well as brothers, sisters, and grandchildren.