IKENNA OKAFOR, ILLAH, DELTA STATE
THE final burial rites for the late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi begin today in Benin City, Edo state where a requiem mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church has been scheduled to commence from 9:00am.
Lying in state at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, will follow the mass by 11:00am, while a novelty match by All Stars will also take place at the same venue.
His remains will depart Benin City for Asaba, Delta State this afternoon. On arrival, there will be lying in state ceremony at the Indoor Hall of Stephen Keshi Stadium, Nnebisi road, Asaba, from 3:15pm, while a service of songs/ vigil mass will hold at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah in Oshimili North LGA, by 6:00pm.
Tomorrow, the body leaves Asaba for Illah by 7am, and there will be a brief stopover at the Ogbelani Palace for traditional rites as a Palace Chief by 8:00am, followed by lying in state at his family home, Ukpologwu Quarters from 8:30am. The requiem mass will take place at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, by 10:00am after which interment will hold at his family compound.
Several top dignitaries across Nigeria are expected to attend the ceremonies while it will be will be rounded up with a thanksgiving mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 10:00am on Sunday, July 31.