Hyacinth Chinweuba
Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has expressed deep sadness over the sudden demise of Chief (Dr) Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme, (KSJI, KSG) of Umudioka village, Neni in Aniocha LGA, Anambra state.
In a condolence message signed by James Eze, his Chief Press Secretary, Governor Obiano eulogised the late Enukeme stating that he was a strong supporter of the state government and a philanthropist who touched many lives.
“We have lost a great son of Anambra state and a pillar of our party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA”, said Obiano.
“He was a man of peace, an astute businessman and an accomplished industrialist. He will be fondly remembered for his selfless service to his community, the church, the state and to humanity”.
“I and my wife, and the good people of Anambra state will miss him dearly. We pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and the comfort of his family in this sad and trying time,” Governor Obiano further stated.
Late Enukeme was devoted to the human and infrastructural development of his community. During his lifetime, he singlehandedly asphalted over 30 kilometers of roads in his hometown, Neni.
Through his business empire, Tonimas Group, late Enukeme employed many people and helped many small businesses to flourish. He gave scholarship to many indigents students in his community and supported the church in many ways too numerous to mention.
Chief Enukeme built the St James Catholic Church, Neni and the St Agatha Catholic Church, Umuarakpa, Aba, Abia state. He also served as First Vice President of the Awka Diocesan Pastoral Council of the Catholic Church.
For his services to the Church, Chief Enukeme was honoured as a Knight of St John International where he rose to become the Grand Commander of the Owerri Grand Commandery. Later he was knighted in the Papal order of St Gregory the Great.
Until his death, he was the Chairman of Tonimas Group which had Tonimas Nail Manufacturing Ltd, Tonimas Aluminium Ltd and Tonimas Lubricants among many other businesses listed under it. He also owned heavy investments in shipping, hospitality and real estate. He was the proprietor of the popular Tonimas Petroleum with over 100 petrol stations in the country.
Chief Enukeme was a BoT member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and a member of the Anambra State Elders Council.
He died in the late hours of Monday, June 8, 2020, after a brief illness. He was aged, 76.