Gladness Gideon
The passing of former Anambra State Permanent Secretary, Chief Mathias Anohu, has drawn a tide of national tributes, with former Presidents Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan leading the chorus of grief and admiration for a man widely hailed as a beacon of integrity and public service.
Chief Anohu, who died on January 6, 2025, at the age of 84, is being mourned across the country as funeral activities commenced Thursday with a Service of Songs at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja.
In his tribute, Chief Obasanjo described Anohu as “a devout Christian who lived his entire life in the service of God and humanity,” praising his patriotism, professionalism, and quiet but profound contributions to national growth.
Former President Jonathan echoed these sentiments, noting that Chief Anohu’s unwavering integrity set a standard in public life. “He leaves behind not just memories, but a lineage of service to the nation,” Jonathan said, referencing Anohu’s children, including Hon. Emeka Anohu, who served in the 8th National Assembly, and Chinelo Anohu, a renowned voice in pension reform and former Director-General of the National Pension Commission.
Beyond the political elite, state leaders also expressed profound grief. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah celebrated Chief Anohu as “a celebrated statesman, eminent pharmacist, and outstanding public servant,” whose influence stretched from classrooms to community leadership. “His life remains a study in humility and service,” Mbah said.
Niger State Governor Umar Bago, equally emotional, described the late Anohu as “a man who lived and served with passion.” He lamented the void left behind, calling the loss “monumental and difficult to express in words.”
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Funeral plans released by the deceased’s eldest son, Engr. Victor Anohu, detail a requiem mass scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity in Onitsha, Anambra State. This will be followed by a funeral mass and interment on May 1 at Christ the King Parish, Ubahu, Okija, where he will be laid to rest in his hometown.
Chief Mathias Anohu was appointed Permanent Secretary for Education in 1998 under the military administration of Group Captain Rufai Garba. He later served as Commissioner I in the Anambra State Civil Service Commission during Dr. Chinweoke Mbadinuju’s tenure, earning widespread respect for his ethical leadership and commitment to educational reform.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Virgy Anohu, his sons Victor and Emeka, daughters Chinelo, Chinwe, Chinenye, and Chioma, as well as grandchildren, siblings, and extended family.
As dignitaries, community leaders, and loved ones prepare to bid farewell, the legacy of Chief Anohu endures — not only through the family he raised but through a life of selfless service that helped shape the fabric of Nigeria’s civil society.