First Republic aviation minister Mbazulike Amechi dies at 93

Mbazulike Amechi

Minister of aviation in the First Republic Mbazulike Amechi has died at the age of 93, according to his family.

The former minister, who hailed from Amihe village in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, died in the early hours of Tuesday.

A press statement from his family signed by Ezeana Tagbo asked the public for prayers.

The family said in the statement, “With total deference to the will of the Almighty God, the Ume Amechi, Ezeana Ihinede families and the Umu Mmara kindred of Amihe Ukpor in the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State announce the peaceful transition of our illustrious son, father and grandfather, Chief Mbazulike Amechi (Dara Akunwafor), Nationalist and First Republic Minister of Aviation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who transitioned peacefully in the early hours of today November 1, 2022.

“We thank God for the fulfilled life that he lived, the lives that he touched and his service to God and Country. We respectfully ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers at this time.”

Amechi was a nationalist and the only surviving member of the Zikist Movement.