Governor Willie Obiano of the eastern Nigerian state of Anambra has appealed to the Federal Government to complete Zik’s Mausoleum and Library Complex in Onitsha in due time.

Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, first president of Nigeria and the leading Nigerian nationalist died 19 years ago, aged 92.

Obiano issued the reminder about the mausoleum in Onitsha during the burial ceremony of Chief Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe, the first son of Azikiwe. Chukwuma died in May at the age of 75.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs Uzoamaka Onuegbu, said that the completion of the project would further help to immortalise the sage.

“Anambra state government has become an integral part of Zik’s family and you can see how we keep the compound tidy for the burial.

“We hope the Federal Government will complete its work on the Zik’s Mausoleum and library project that is ongoing here in due time,’’ he said.

In a sermon, the former Anglican Archbishop of Awka, Most Rev. Maxwell Anikwenwa, described the deceased as “a selfless and generous person who was not interested in acquiring earthly wealth but to provide service to God and man.’’

The former National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, urged the families of the deceased to take heart.

Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, the Ogirisi of Igbo-land said that the late Chukwuma fought for the course of Igbo race.

“He was not interested in acquiring wealth even when he had the opportunity as the son of the first president of this great country,’’ he said.

The brother to the deceased thanked the dignitaries for attending he burial.

He described his late brother as a generous person who was not interested in acquisition of material wealth.

“I want to thank you all for staying close to our family this period and contributing in no small measures to the success of this burial,’’ he said.