The Anambra State Government has introduced a sweeping new burial law banning the giving of expensive items such as cows, goats, and other lavish gifts during condolence visits.

Observers describe the move as a major step toward curbing extravagant funeral practices that have long placed heavy financial pressure on bereaved families.

Under the regulation, “no person shall give to the deceased person’s family, as a condolence gift, any item exceeding money, one jar of palm wine, one carton of beer, and one crate of soft drink.”

The law effectively outlaws the common practice of presenting cows, goats, bags of rice, and other costly items at funerals and condolence visits. Offenders are liable to a fine of N100,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both.

Beyond condolence gifts, the legislation contains far-reaching provisions aimed at reducing ostentatious burial ceremonies across the state. All burial ceremonies must be completed within one day, while wake-keep ceremonies have been abolished entirely.

Vigil Masses, services of songs, and related religious activities must end by 9:00 p.m., and no food, drinks, live bands, or cultural entertainment may be provided during such events.

The law also prohibits the erection of billboards, banners, and posters of deceased persons anywhere in the state. Only directional signs leading to burial venues are permitted, and they cannot be displayed earlier than seven days before the burial date.

MEANWHILE, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has sworn in 18 new commissioners, reminding them that their appointments are strictly a call to rigorous work, sacrifice, and public accountability, rather than personal celebration. So far, 20 commissioners have been inaugurated, including Tochukwu Nweke, who was earlier sworn in as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Izuchukwu Okafor as Commissioner for Finance.

Among the 18 newly-sworn-in commissioners were Ben Odoemena (Agriculture); Chukwukadibia Okoye, FCCA (Budget and Economic Planning); Udoji Amedu (Culture, Entertainment and Tourism); Dr Ekene Ogugua (Education); Dr Clem Aguiyi (Environment); Dr Afam Obidike (Health); Dr Law Mefor (Information and Value Reformation); Prof. Offornze Amucheazi (Lands) and Vin Ezeaka (Local Council and Community Affairs), among others.

Performing the ceremony, Soludo charged the new commissioners to live up to expectations and justify the confidence reposed in them by the government.

He reminded them that the decisions they make will directly impact the lives of over nine million residents of the state.

Also inaugurated were the Managing Director (MD), Anambra Road Traffic Agency (ARTMA), Mr Emeka Okonkwo; the Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Dr Ossy Onuko, Managing Director, Information Communication Technology Agency, Mr Fred Agbata, and Managing Director, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Obi Okonkwo, among others.