Contrary to speculation and misinformation from a group of people who have been sponsoring fake news about the burial arrangement for late John Okafor popularly known as Mr. Ibu, The Central Planning Committee(CPC),some notable friends and family members of the late actor have distanced themselves from such publications on social media sponsored by some evil minds and published by one Mazitundeednut concerning late Mr Ibu's burial with the caption: "Family, friends beg for funds to bury Mr. Ibu"
The Central Planning Committee noted that the said publication was made with intentions to ridicule Okafor's family as beggars by giving out denigrating stories concerning the late actor.
Reacting to the publication, the Chairman of the Committee, Monday Diamond Ani debunked such stories maligning the late Mr Ibu and his family,describing it as ‘manipulating,malicious, fabricated and engineered by the evil gang against Mr. Ibu even while on sick bed and after his death.’
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He noted that the Central Planning Committee not minding the several millions of Naira consumed by the late John Okafor's sickness in several hospitals in Nigeria, has made several plans towards Mr Ibu's burial such as erection of billboards across Enugu State, organising a star-studded tribute performance which will hold at the Base Event Center Enugu, novelty match to honor Mr Ibu and other commitments towards making the burial historical.
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Speaking further about the development on the burial arrangements, Diamond said: "It is important to note that the night of tribute which is coming up on the 26th of June will be preceded by a novelty match which will be played on the 25th of June between celebrities and personalities against Rangers International football club of Enugu at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.”
He warned the ‘evil-doers, image destroyers of celebrities on social media’ to desist from tarnishing Mr. Ibu's personality to avoid the wrath of God.
“ I want to make it categorically clear that there was never a time when such publication emanated from us. Its the handwork of some miscreants, enemies of progress who must have wished for Mr. Ibu's death and are perhaps happy that Mr. Ibu is no more and wanted to use this medium or avenue to tarnish the name of Mr. Ibu and the Okafor family in general,” he said.
He added: “It is a fact that a fund is being raised to support the burial of Mr ibu which is customary in Igbo land where well wishers will be contributing funds to support the burial. Some will even bring live cows, provide financial support, provide help in logistics and that's what is happening in the case of Mr Ibu, so it is not a taboo.”
However,.someone coming out on social media to say that the Okafor family needs funds to bury Mr. Ibu, is a lie from the pit of hell and should be disregarded. Mr. Ibu was the king of comedy movies in Africa and represented Nigeria as far as motion pictures is concerned and will be buried not like a kid, but as the legend that he was.”
It is important to note that the night of tribute which will be heralded by candlelight procession and an all white dress code will showcase mega performances from gospel artists, musicians, comedians, goodwill speeches from Nollywood legends, personalities, technocrats, captains of industry.
Among the artist expected are: Rudeboy, Flavour, Odumeje ,Apkororo, Chinyere Udoma, Gozie okeke, Felix Ndukwe, Paul Nwokocha, Able Cee, Anyidons, Kola boy just to mention few.
Star appearance includes: Chief Pete Edochie MON, Osuofia, Patience Ozokwor( Mama G), Osita Iheme(Paw Paw) and Chinedu Ikedieze(Aki),Mercy Johnson, Rachel Okonkwo(NKOLI), Destiny ETIKO,Chinwe Owo, Victor Osuagu, Charles Anwurum,Ngozi Ezeonu,Chidinma and Chidiebere Aneke,Steve Eboh,Amb Emeka Rollas the AGN President, and many other star actors.
A documentary of the life and time of John Okafor will be showcased.
Series of billboards about Mr Ibu's burial are already mounted on strategic places in Enugu. Radio announcements heralding the burial schedule are also on the air. This is in a process of giving him a befitting burial because he was an African movie legend and a comedy king.
In Conclusion, Monday Diamond Ani also used this medium to thank Enugu State Government for the support given so far especially in the provision of all needed Executive Accomodations at the famous Nike Lake Hotel Resort for Dignitaries, Provision of Security Personnel in different categories, Provision of Government Coaster Buses for the Conveyance of Special Guests throughout the Burial,and some funds as well. Diamond also thanked senior prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin of Mercyland Deliverance Ministries Warri for his kind support, management of Villa Toscana Hotels and all the friends and well wishers of Mr Ibu who have supported the Burial in one way or the other.
