The burial rites of popular Imo politician, Rt. Hon. Barrister Innocent Arthur Egwim began last Friday in Lagos. The late politician and socialite passed on a few weeks back at the age of 60. Till his death, he was a member representing Ideato North Constituency, Imo State House of Assembly. He was born of a humble background in 1962 to the family of Egwim of Isiokpo Ideato North.
Intelligent and having love for learning in his childhood days, Honourable Innocent Arthur Egwim started his academic career with his primary education at Ibeku Central Primary School; Secondary education at Immaculate Conoeption Seminary Ahiaeke Umuahia. He gained admission to study Law at the UNN in 1982, but could not pursue his dream due to the family’s financial challenges. This led him to becoming an entrepreneur.
The quest for success made young Innocent travelled to Western Nigeria. However, even as a successful business man of International repute, Innocent Arthur Egwim did not let go of his life passion. His love for education and learning rekindled and this made him return to school at the age of 40 to obtain a Diploma in Criminalogy from the University of East London Consequently he advanced his studies at the University of East London and graduated with Bachelor and Masters in Law. He was called to the Nigerian Bar after completing the Nigeria Law School Programme in Abuja.
Innocent Arthur Egwim’s second passion which consists of his impeccable Philanthropy and desire to serve his people made him accept to return from the UK and take the position of the President General of the Islokpo Autonomous community. a position’which saw him attract meaningful Community development programmes as he tirelessly worked in partnership with the CGC of the Rescue Mission Policy of the State Govemment. Having served his people diligently and as, a true believer of the Rescue Mission government of his Excellency, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorooha and having attracted many developmental giant strides, he responded to the call for equity and good representation of his people.
In 2015, he was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and re-elected in 2019 under the Action Alliance (AA) as House Member representing Ideato North Constituency at the Imo state House of Assembly, Honorable Innocent Arthur Egwim saw politics as an instrument for positive social change.
He sponsored a great number of Bills and Motions on the floor of the Imo State House of Assembly, to touch virtually all aspects of human endeavor ranging from law, health,
education, housing etc. He also embarked on several other empowerment programmes through his REACH Project. Beyond his work, Honorable Innocent Egwim had deep love for his family. He was a devoted father and husband. He worked tirelessly over the years to ensure all his nine children received quality education. This, for him, was a prime objective. On March 27, 2023, Honorable Innocent Arthur Egwim passed away to be with the Lord. He died at 60.
His funeral rites began on Friday 12th May, 2023 with a Service of Songs at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos. On Monday 15th May, 2023 there will be a Vigil mass at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church, New Owerri. On Tuesday 16th May, 2023, another service of songs will hold at his residence, Udenna Estate, New Owerri. At 9am, on Wednesday 17th May, 2023, there will be a Valedictory Session at the Imo State House of Assembly Complex, Owerri. On the next day, Thursday 18th May, 2023, there will be a Reception by the Sole Administrator of Ideato North LGA, Imo State. On Friday 19th May, 2023, there will be a reception for him at the palace of HRH. Eze Dr. R.A Offonze (Ezedike II). Then, there will be Lying-In-State in his compound Ikwaraoson-Wanneya Village, Isiokpo. This is going to be followed by Reception at the Isiokpo Civic Center by the Central Executives of ITU led by the President, Chief Barrister Udebuluzo Ikezuagu (Ochiagha Isiokpo). This is to be followed by Lying-In-State at Isiokpo Civic Center.
Requiem Mass will follow immediately after at St. John’s Catholic Church, Isiokpo. Reception of Guests follows.
And on Saturday 20th May, 2023, there will be Funeral visit by In Laws, friends and well wishers. On Sunday 21st May, 2023, there will be Thanksgiving Service at St. John’s Catholic Church, Isiokpo.
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