Minister proposes 20-man panel for Keshi’s burial

Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, has proposed a 20-man committee to plan a state burial for Super Eagles’ former Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi.

The Committee, according to Dalung, will comprise members of Keshi’s family, the Nigeria Football Federation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, stakeholders, including coaches, administrators, former footballers, the media, representatives of Delta and Edo states, the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and members of the supporters club.

He said the committee would ensure a smooth state burial for the late Keshi on the weekend of July 27 to 29, 2016.

Speaking in Abuja yesterday while receiving members of the immediate family of the former Super Eagles coach, Dalung said Keshi served the country well, and the least the Federal Government can do is to honour ‎him with a befitting burial.

The minister described late the Keshi as a national asset, whose death sent shock waves down the spines of football loving Nigerians, his admirers and fans, both at home and abroad. He added that as a renowned national property, the Federal Government will join hands with the family to give the sport icon a befitting burial.

He noted that appreciating Keshi will encourage other Nigerians to show more patriotism to the nation, adding, “As a government and people in Nigeria, we have lost a great sport icon.”

He also described Keshi as a quintessential footballer and great achiever, whose exploits on the field of play as player, captain or coach brought glory to our dear nation.

Dalung said the news was particularly shocking because the late Keshi was not known to have any health challenge prior to his death, adding as someone who radiated life, charm and vitality, the thought of death regarding him was inconceivable.

He also commiserated with the children, who lost their parents within the spate of six months, urging them to take heart and as true Christians accept that God gives and takes as he wills.