Reacting immediately the news of the death of Chief Enukeme filtered in at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, Bishop Ezeokafor said that he was utterly shocked and bewildered, noting that the Late Onowu Neni had contributed immensely towards the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and development of the Mother Church in Awka Diocese and beyond.
The Catholic Prelate described the death of the Chairman, Tonimas Group of Companies, the First Vice Chairman Awka Diocesan Pastoral Council, the Traditional Prime Minister of Neni community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, and member Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA) as a huge loss.
He enjoined all affected by his death to take solace in the fact that the Late Anthony Enukeme lived a life worthy of emulation.
The Catholic Bishop noted Chief Enukaeme started life from cradle with nothing, adding that many people will miss him, especially the poor and the wretch.
Paying tribute to the departed, the Bishop said he worked very hard to become somebody in life, and was a pillar to many, and also invested so much in the social system, in the Church and in political sphere, while he also did much for his community.
Bishop Ezeokafor, on behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, the Auxiliary Bishop, Most Reverend Jonas Benson Okoye, Priests, Religious, and lay faithful condole the wife, children, and the entire Neni community, saying in all things, they give thanks to God at all times as he gives and takes and cannot be questioned.
Meanwhile
Governor Willie Obiano has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Chief Sir (Dr) Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme.
Chief Enukaeme died in the late hours of Monday, June 8, 2020, after a brief illness at the aged of 76.
In a condolence message, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, James Eze, Governor Obiano eulogised the late Sir Enukeme, saying he was a strong supporter of the state government and a philanthropist who touched many lives.
The governor described him as a man of peace, an astute businessman and an accomplished industrialist, who would be fondly remembered for his selfless service to his community, the church, the state and humanity.
Late Enukeme was devoted to the human and infrastructural development of his community, and singlehandedly asphalted over 30 kilometres of roads in his hometown, Neni.
Through his business empire, Tonimas Group, late Enukeme employed many people and helped many small businesses to flourish, as well as gave the scholarship to many indigents students in his community and supported the church in many ways too numerous to mention.
Chief Enukeme built the Saint James Catholic Church, Neni, and the Saint Agatha Catholic Church, Umuarakpa, Aba, Abia state.
He also served as First Vice President of the Awka Diocesan Pastoral Council of the Catholic Church.
For his services to the Church, Chief Enukeme was honoured as a Knight of St John International where he rose to become the Grand Commander of the Owerri Grand Commandery, and was later knighted in the Papal order of St Gregory the Great.
Until his death, he was the Chairman of Tonimas Group which had Tonimas Nail Manufacturing Ltd, Tonimas Aluminium Ltd and Tonimas Lubricants among many other businesses listed under it.
He also owned heavy investments in shipping, hospitality and real estate and was the proprietor of the popular Tonimas Petroleum with over 100 petrol stations in the country.
Chief Enukeme was a BoT member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and a member of the Anambra State Elders Council.
The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and the comfort of his family in this sad and trying times.
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