C’ttee Fixes Keshi’s Burial On July 29

Stephen Keshi

LATE former Super Eagles Captain and Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, will be laid to rest in his hometown, Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State on July 29, 2016.

Keshi died suddenly in Benin-City, Edo State, on June 8, 2016 aged 54 years.

A member of the Keshi Burial Committee who is also Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, disclosed this on Thursday in Asaba stating that the ceremonies shall hold between Thursday, July 28, and Sunday, July 31...

Ukah, said that the funeral for the late soccer icon would kick off in Edo State on Thursday, July 28, 2016 with a Requiem Mass at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin-City, from 9:00 am, and be followed by Lying-in-State at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, also in Benin-City, at 11:00am.

“There will also be a novelty match by All Stars as well as a session of tributes in honour of the late soccer star at the stadium.

“The same day, his remains will depart Benin-City for Asaba, Delta State, from 1:15pm”, Ukah noted. On arrival, there will be lying in state ceremony at Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Indoor Hall, Asaba, from 3:15pm, followed by a novelty match by All Stars and Tributes at Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba, from 3:30pm,” Ukah said.

On Friday, July 29, 2016 the body leaves Asaba for Illah by 7am, with a brief stopover at the Ogbelani Palace for traditional rites at 8:00am according to traditions as late Keshi was a traditional chief of Illah. This will to be followed shortly afterwards by lying-in-state at his family home, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 8:30am.

Also on Friday, a Requiem Mass will take place at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, at 10:00am; followed by interment at his family compound, Ukpologwu Quarters, Illah, from 12:30pm while entertainment of guests is to follow at Omorka Primary School Playground from 12:30pm.

The burial ceremonies are expected to be rounded off at 10:00am on Sunday, July 31, with a Thanksgiving Mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah.