Notable Nigerians including President Bola Tinubu, some former presidents led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, serving and former governors and other leaders in the Christendom are amongst eminent citizens and world leaders expected at the burial of the late prelate emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria (MCN), Sunday Mbang.
The family of the deceased cleric, who passed on last May 16, 2023, at age 86, disclosed this at a press conference yesterday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. They said his remains would be committed to earth on August 11, 2023.
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The late Mbang’s first son and chief mourner, Sir Ini Mbang, who announced the funeral arrangements, said eminent Nigerians drawn from political and religious circles are expected at the burial of his father.
He said, “First and foremost, Papa had his best friend, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who will be there. We also have confirmations of some governors; even the incumbent President, Bola Tinubu, will be there.
“We are going to have several distinguished Nigerians in attendance. And, then we are going to have the president of World Methodist Council, secretary-general of the World Methodist Council, National President Christian Association of Nigeria and the president-general of the Islamic Council of Nigeria, who is the Sultan of Sokoto.
“You know Papa started the Inter-Religious Council, with the former Sultan of Sokoto, and he was in good relationship with other Sultans of Sokoto. So, these eminent leaders will come and honour him.”
A special service will be held today by his alma mater, the Methodist Boys High School Old Boys, followed by a novelty football match between the Methodist Old Boys and Hope Waddel Old Boys at Shelter Afrique, Uyo.
On Wednesday 26th July, 2023, a commendation service is slated to hold at the Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu’s Square, in Lagos by 10am.
On Thursday, August 3, 2023, there will be a special service to be conducted by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the National Christian Centre, Abuja by 4pm.