By Fr. Dr. OKHUELEIGBE OSEMHANTIE ÃMOS, Benin City

The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City is assuming an atmosphere of solemn readiness as bishops, officials and staff of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, CSN, and other dignitaries begin to arrive for the funeral rites of the late Archbishop.

Top government functionaries are also already on ground, while indications suggest that the funeral may draw a significant political and ecclesiastical presence. Apart from members of the Edo State Government, there are expectations that government functionaries from Delta State, where the late Archbishop was ordained a priest, and Anambra State, his home state, may also be in attendance.

Across the Archdiocese, preparations have moved from planning to execution.

Earlier today, the Chairman of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission, Fr. Dr Bonaventure Egwu, met with priests assigned specific liturgical functions and reminded them of their responsibilities for both the Vigil Mass and the Funeral Mass.

“Double for the Vigil Mass and the Mass of Funeral,” Fr. Egwu told the priests, underscoring the need for seamless coordination across the two major celebrations.

The prayers for the Office of the Dead have also been included in the funeral brochure, while the Liturgical Commission has formally communicated to all priests with assigned functions, outlining their respective duties.

The Archdiocesan communication machinery was also visibly active on Tuesday. The Director of Social Communications, Fr. Jude Orah, was sighted at St. Paul Catholic Church assessing communication preparedness ahead of the ceremonies and the extensive live coverage planned for the funeral.

The funeral activities will be aired live through:

Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City Facebook

[https://www.facebook.com/share/15ckicTGJSz/](https://www.facebook.com/share/15ckicTGJSz/?utm

Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City YouTube

[https://youtube.com/@catholicarchdioceseofbenin?feature=shared](https://youtube.com/@catholicarchdioceseofbenin?

ITV Benin — Terrestrial and GOtv Channel 140

EBS — Terrestrial, GOtv Channel 141 and 45 UHF

Catholic Television Abuja, CTV — GOtv Channel 115 and DStv Channel 197

Lumen Christi Television*— DStv Channel 350

NTA — Terrestrial and GOtv Channel 46

At Holy Cross Cathedral, the atmosphere of preparation was already giving way to anticipation. As early as 2 p.m., Lady Elizabeth, in the presence of several knighted men and women already gathered at the Cathedral for the Vigil Mass, indicated that the various units were taking their positions for the evening’s solemn celebration.

Meanwhile, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, who also serves as Chairman of the Archdiocesan Funeral Ceremonies Committee, made the detailed parking arrangements available on Tuesday afternoon.

Holy Cross Cathedral has been reserved for members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, while Emokpae Primary School will serve priests, religious and lay faithful. Other designated locations include the New Chancery, Archbishop’s Office and Floreat Systems for priests and religious, while the Old Chancery Office will serve as the Marshals’ Base.

Ogbe Secondary School and St. Paul Primary School have been designated as general car parks, with additional overflow spaces along Mission Road, Airport Road and adjoining streets.

Mission Road has already been placed under special traffic control. Only vehicles conveying participants to the Vigil Masses are allowed access, while other motorists have been redirected.

Accommodation arrangements have equally been receiving careful attention. The Sisters of the Sacred Heart and other religious working within the Archdiocese have been working tirelessly to ensure that bishops, major superiors, rectors, priests and other guests arriving from distant places are received into conducive accommodation.

Security arrangements have also been strengthened, with adequate plans in place to ensure that the celebrations proceed safely and peacefully.

The scene recalls, in many respects, the carefully coordinated funeral of the late Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu two years ago. But as the final preparations unfold and delegations continue to arrive, the Archdiocese appears determined to ensure that every detail is in place.

For now, the message from Benin is unmistakable: all is set.

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