By Sunny A. David, Awka
An 83-year-old man from Onitsha, Anambra State, Mr. Peter Chuka Nwalie Ojekwe, popularly known as Jimmy London, was buried with a copy of the Vanguard Newspaper and the Holy Bible, reflecting his lifelong devotion to news and knowledge.
The late Mr. Ojekwe, who passed away recently, was interred with the Thursday, December 11, 2025 edition of Vanguard placed inside his coffin alongside the Bible. His burial followed a funeral service held at St. Stephen Anglican Church, Onitsha, and took place the same day.
Speaking during the funeral, his son, Mr. Nworah Ojekwe, a legal practitioner, disclosed that his father had an extraordinary attachment to the Vanguard Newspaper. According to him, the deceased maintained a personal newspaper vendor for several decades who supplied him exclusively with Vanguard until his final days.
Mr. Nworah explained that his father, who retired from Nigeria’s diplomatic service in Rio de Janeiro in 2000, believed Vanguard was the most reliable source of credible news and in-depth analysis on Nigeria’s socio-political and economic affairs.
The family further highlighted this passion in the burial programme, noting that visitors to their father’s home would always find a fresh copy of Vanguard in his sitting room. The note stated that reading the newspaper daily was a ritual for him, after which he would freely share it with others.
Beyond journalism, the late Mr. Ojekwe was an avid reader of classical literature, including works by William Shakespeare, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, the Holy Bible, and My Odyssey by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Moved by his dedication, some of his friends appealed to the management of Vanguard Newspapers Limited to honour his memory, noting that he invested substantial personal resources in following the paper and was ultimately buried with its last edition.
One of his close friends, Mr. Akunne Chuka Odiakosa, described the deceased as a highly informed and engaging companion whose deep knowledge of both local and international affairs was largely shaped by his consistent reading of Vanguard.
Mr. Ojekwe was also known as a respected social figure who cherished the traditions and culture of the Onitsha people. His funeral ceremony attracted a large crowd and took on a carnival-like atmosphere, with cultural displays including the rare Ijele masquerade. Members of the American Quarters Community participated in large numbers.
Dignitaries present at the burial included former Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikechukwu Aduba; former Nigerian Army spokesman, General Eche Chukwuma; prominent Onitsha socialite, Akunwafor Peter Omekam; and Hon. Justice Ozoh, among others.
His twin brother, Sir Paul Ojekwe, received sympathisers with composure as he mourned his loss. It remained unclear whether billionaire philanthropist Chief (Engr.) Arthur Eze, who reportedly spent part of his early life in the Ojekwe household, attended the burial as earlier anticipated.
During the funeral service, the officiating priest, Venerable Ifeanyi Azubike, praised the late Mr. Ojekwe for living a peaceful and purposeful life. He urged Christians to focus on righteous living and eternal values, reminding the congregation that material possessions are temporary.
Mr. Peter Ojekwe is survived by his wife, Mrs. Obiageli Ojekwe; his children—Barr. Ngozi Ojekwe-Youdiowei, Barr. Denise O.J. Peter, Obinna Ojekwe, and Barr. Nworah Ojekwe; as well as five grandchildren.
The burial ceremony was anchored by veteran Onitsha master of ceremonies, Comrade Nwolu Odiamma.
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