Anayochukwu Agbo
It was not just a routine burial. It was a referendum of his entire life, public service and relationships. From the spiritual world, Sir Albert Ikechukwu Nnamani, lawyer, technocrat, community leader and socialite would have smiled his welcome and satisfaction with the mammoth crowd that graced his final curtain call in Ikem, Isiuzo Local Government Area, Enugu State, on Saturday, May 2, 2026. He was aged 82 years.
The final journey, which started in Abuja on Wednesday, April 23, with a requiem mass at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, stopped over at Enugu on Tuesday, April 28, for a valedictory court session by the Nigerian Bar Association, and later a Night of Tributes at the Amatedo Events Centre. He finally returned to his country home in Ikem for a wake on Friday, May 1, and internment on Saturday, May 2.
In life, he wore a perpetual smile on his face for everyone no matter the vagaries of life; in transition nature smiled back at him with very clement weather.
Though Ikem, one of the oldest local councils in Nigeria, is not a stranger to august visitors having hosted heads of state, the attendance was not just massive, it was immersive, eclectic and the biggest, according to the natives, since burials became carnivals and cultural obsessions with all the strata of the society – the elite, middle class and the masses – properly represented. That, according to his people, was Sir Nnamani’s personality. He related with everyone across the artificial spectrum of class, status and tongues. So, the town, gown, and streets merged in a celebration of a life well lived.
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, remained true to friendship. In Abuja, he had visited Nnamani’s family and described his transition as an “implacable loss.” At Ikem, he paid glowing tribute to Nnamani, recalling, “As administrative secretary of the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission, OMPADEC, he discharged his duty with dignity and with candour and he set the tone for the development of the Niger Delta region.”
At the Night of Tributes, stakeholders variously described him as selfless, impactful, and devoted to service with integrity, leadership, and personal kindness
Ifeanyi Ossai, deputy governor of Enugu State, said Nnamani “occupied a unique place in the state’s public service.” He recalled “his advocacy for justice, community development, and role in the agitation for the creation of Adada State.”
In an emotional tribute, Osita Okechukwu, a former director general of the Voice of Nigeria, revealed that Nnamani had been a mentor and father figure to him for over 40 years.
“Nnamani consistently encouraged others to take responsibility for societal challenges. He would always say, ‘If you don’t fill the potholes, who will fill it for us?”
Major General Godwin Ugwoke, (retd) recounted their shared history spanning both the Nigerian and Biafran armies. He praised Nnamani’s role in advocating for infrastructure development, particularly, the Nkalagu–Nsukka Road project awarded in 2007 and his efforts in attracting development projects through his position in OMPADEC.
Vin Martins Ilo, Managing Director of Signature Television, described Nnamani as “a man whose legacy was deeply rooted in generosity and community spirit.”
His younger brother, Dave Nnamani, PhD, recalled the late lawyer’s early life, revealling their father’s confidence that Albert would survive the Biafra war despite the loss of his other sons. Dave described him as a disciplinarian and guiding force within the family, whose counsel was highly valued.
Chijioke Edoga, Enugu State Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 Election, recalled his contributions to sports administration, post-war rehabilitation, and political consciousness in his community.
Jide Ogunniyi, who described himself as the “only Yoruba in-law” commended the family’s “inclusiveness.”
Dr. Ikenna Nnamani, his son, expressed gratitude to all for honouring the memory of their late father.
At the valedictory court session, Justice Onovo reflected on the life and legacy of Nnamani. He described him as “a dedicated legal practitioner whose life was filled with meaningful contributions and lasting memories.”
The Attorney Geeneral, represented by Barrister Uzoamaka, described Nnamani as a defender of the vulnerable and a man who embodied the ideals of the legal profession. According to him, “He ran a good race, and his memory will continue to inspire strength.”
Venatius Odo, who represented Enugu State NBA chairman, said the late barrister was a fulfilled man who “remained steadfast even in difficult times, including during periods of conflict. His life was one of purpose and accomplishment.”
At the Abuja requiem mass at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Most Rev. Martin Uzokwu, Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, called on Christians to see the celebration of Mass for the dead as a reality check.
“We must switch from the mentality of trying to avoid death to preparing for it. We must accept death as a reality. The mysteries of dying challenge all of us to make a conscious effort to prepare for it,” he stated.
The mass, co-celebrated with 10 other priests, was attended by a cross-section of Nigerians, including the former Governor of Enugu State, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, former ministers, serving and retired justices among others.
At his Abuja home, the condolence register captured the solidarity across Nigeria. Akpabio said his transition was “an implacable loss.”
Ugochinyere Egbe described him as “a very blessed man. Not many people are this blessed to be able to raise such level-headed ladies and gentlemen and be able to enjoy good friendship and fellowship of your kids.”
Dr Agbu Kefas, governor of Taraba State, said “the consolation is that all the children are alive. God gives and God takes.”
His grand child, Kingsley Kuku 2, missed him massively, “Grandpa, ever since you passed away, there has been no joy in me. Your presence makes everybody smile. I’ll make you proud.”
Yet another, Angel, waxed liquid with emotion: “Grandpa, ever since the day you left me, I have not been myself. I love you with all my heart. I love you so much.”
Maj Gen A.G Laka described him as “a great man who will surely be missed;” while Hon Justice Halilu said, “he was and is a great man”. Ike Abonyi, a veteran journalist described him as an “Astute leader of the people.”
Ngozi, his first daughter, summed up the family’s sense of loss and gratitude. “My Daddy, AI, your demise seems like a storyline in a movie. Every scene played out right before us. Heaven has indeed gained. We did all we could. We take solace in the fact that you left your footprints on the sands of life”.
Sir Albert Nnamani was a man of many parts, a cat with nine lives who picked the pieces of his life after fighting in the Nigeria-Biafra civil war. Ike Ikem (The Strength of Ikem) survived many battles in life to become one of the icons of society.
He was a former Secretary of Sports and Enugu Rangers International; a former Administrative Secretary of the Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission, (OMPADEC) known today as the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and a former Clerk of the Enugu State House of Assembly. He was also a former director in two federal ministries – Transport and Steel – from where he retired.
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