The leader of Tibet and Nobel Peace Laureate, the Dalai Lama; South Africa President, Jacob Zuma; and the immediate past President of Israel and former Prime Minister, Shimon Peres, among other global leaders have expressed shock at the news of the death of Michael Anyiam-Osigwe.
The leaders, some of whom have long standing relationships with the Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe family and have been Keynote speakers at the Annual Anyiam-Osigwe Lecture Series, expressed shock at the demise of Michael as a result of gunshot from armed robbers on November 29, 2014 in Edo State at the time Nigeria and Africa needed him the most.
In an email sent by the Dalai Lama himself to the family, he said: “I am very sorry to hear the bad news of the recent death of your brother and son, Michael. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.”
Renowned African-American actor and Oscar award winner, Danny Glover, in his condolence letter, wrote: “I was shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of Michael. While he unlifted all of our hearts and minds, he still does in memory. If I could be of service in anyway please do not hesitate. My prayers and thoughts are with you.”
Ivory Coast’s President, Alassane Quattara; former President of Malawi, Dr. Joyce Banda; former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shaukat Aziz; former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahatir Mohamad; former US Vice President, Al Gore; former German Chancellor, Helmut Kohl; and former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair; and Wife, Cherry; another former British Prime Minister, John Major, also sent words of encouragements to the family and Michael’s aged mother, whilst expressing sadness at the untimely death of the late Coordinator General of the Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation.
The Anyiam-Osigwe family has released the funeral rite details of the late Honorary Consul of Malawi to Nigeria and fixed December 19, 2014 as his final burial after a funeral Mass at St Thomas Catholic Church, Nkwerre, Imo State.
On December 16, 2014, there will be Service of Songs of Song and Funeral Mass at the Catholic Church of the Presentation, Oba Akinjobi Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, while another service of Mass of the Resurrection will hold at St Dominic’s Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos on December 18, 2014.