The remains of Prof Simon Enyinnah Ananaba has been laid to rest at his compound in Obegu, Ugwunagbo LGA of Abia State amidst eulogies from family, friends and associates.
The late Prof Ananaba was a distinguished academic, meteorologist and geophysicist who was widely published and dedicated his life towards impacting knowledge. His influence extended beyond the academic community, touching various facets of life.
The burial ceremony which attracted the the presence of dignitaries including former Deputy Governor of Abia State,Sir Emeka Ananaba,Chief of Air Staff, Nigerian Air Force, The Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy,the Academia , Politicians from all works of life, members of the Nigerian Navy,an array of clergymen among many dignitaries.
Preaching at the funeral service conducted by St Peter’s Anglican Church,Obegu Archdaeconry, the Bishop of Aba Diocese, Rt. Rev Christian Ugwuzor described the deceased as an accomplished scholar, worthy statesman, who had firm belief and trust in God.
The clergyman who took his text from Matthew 6:19-21 advocated for acts of kindness, compassion, humility and generosity which he said the deceased exhibited in service to his community, state and nation at large.
Bishop Ugwuzor while noting that the late Prof Ananaba died at the ripe age of 84, urged the family to take solace in God and bear the death with fortitude.
Dr. Alozie Ananaba (Right) and his brothers
In a funeral oration, the first son of the deceased, Dr Alozie Ananaba said that his late father was brilliant scholar who was deeply committed in nurturing the next generation of leaders in his field of earth sciences.
“He believed passionately in education and left a legacy by providing opportunities for many, a fact honoured by those who remember him today at his burial.
“Prof Ananaba was not only an academic giant but also a man of humility and integrity. His life served as a guiding lesson for his children and numerous associates, demonstrating contentment with life’s circumstances”, Dr Ananaba noted.
While emphasizing that their late father taught them to give back to the society, Dr Ananaba assured that they would continue to live by the tenets of their father and thanked all who came to identify with them in “celebration of a life well spent”.
In their separate tributes, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,Prof Paul Ananaba and member of the family, Dr Jonathan Ananaba while extolling the sterling legacies of the deceased, noted that he gave back to the society as well as sponsored the education of the poor and indigent to institutions of higher learning and prayed for his peaceful repose.
Aged 84, the late Professor Simon Enyinnah Ananaba was survived by six children including Air Vice Marshall Nnamdi Ananaba among others.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including representative of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall PN Amadi, representative of the Chief of Defense Staff, Nigerian Armed forces, Air Commodore U. Ariahu, representative of the Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy,Major General J.O Ochayi and officers from the Nigerian military.
Others include, the Vice Chancellor, Abia state University, Prof Maxwell Ogbulu, former Commissioners, the Academia, Traditional Rulers, Friends, Associates and well wishers among various dignitaries.
