Political Leaders, Educationists, Captains of Industry to Storm Akokwa January 7
As IMSUBEB Chairman, Egboh, Lays Father to Rest

By our Reporter

Akokwa, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, will on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, play host to a large gathering of political leaders, educationists and captains of industry as Hon. Chief Chidiebere Santos Egboh, Executive Chairman of the Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB), lays his father, the late legendary educationist, Ichie Santos Agha Egboh, to rest.

The Egboh family announced that the revered patriarch, a visionary educationist and community leader, passed on peacefully at the age of 95.

Late Ichie Agha Egboh was widely celebrated as the founder of Young Stars Primary and Secondary Schools, Umuopia-Akokwa, institutions that shaped the lives of thousands of students within Ideato Nation, Imo State and beyond. His lifelong commitment to education earned him the respected title of “Ugo-Mmuta” (Pride of Learning).

According to the burial programme released by the family, funeral activities will commence on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with a Service of Songs at the family compound in Umuanudu Emehama, Umuopia-Akokwa, by 5:00 p.m.

The main funeral ceremony will take place on Wednesday, January 7, with a Requiem Mass at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Umuopia-Akokwa, starting at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow immediately, after which guests will be received at the family compound from 11:00 a.m. for condolence messages and entertainment.

Activities will continue on Thursday, January 8, with condolence visits by in-laws, friends, political associates and alumni of the National Institute of Commerce and Young Stars Schools. The funeral rites will formally conclude on Sunday, January 11, with a Thanksgiving Service at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Umuopia-Akokwa.

Speaking on the life and legacy of his late father, Hon. Chief Egboh described him as a rare bridge between Western education and traditional Igbo moral values. He noted that the deceased remained a strong advocate of discipline, character building and the “Golden Rule,” insisting that education must go beyond certificates to include integrity, cultural pride and sound morals.

As Ideato Nation prepares to bid farewell to one of its finest educators, tributes continue to pour in for a man whose life of service has earned him enduring honour. Ichie Santos Agha Egboh is survived by a large family and an even larger network of mentees committed to sustaining his legacy of educational excellence.

Dignitaries from across Imo State and beyond are expected to attend the burial ceremonies in celebration of a life devoted to learning and community development.