Nigeria’s first aviation minister dies at 93 years

Nigeria’s first Minister of Aviation Chief Nbazulike Amaechi has died at the age of 93.

According to the family, the Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra-born politician, died in the early hours of Tuesday.

He was the last surviving member of the Zikist movement. He became the Minister of Aviation at 29.

The former Minister left his Ukpor home in Anambra state and joined his son in Abuja when he became weak.

When he was alive, he led the Igbo delegation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

According to a press statement from the family on Tuesday by Ezeana Tagbo, Amechi died on November 1.

The statement reads, “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.”