Ahead of Uwaifo’s burial, Edo govt renovates Uwaifo Avenue, adjourning streets

Ahead of the state burial for the late music maestro, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Edo State Government has started renovation/construction work on the road that leads to his house, Sir Victor Uwaifo Avenue, Off College Road, Benin and adjourning streets.

When The Sunday Nigerian Tribune visited his house yesterday in uptown Benin, a Caterpillar grader was seen working intensely on the road while a sand load of dumpers were busy making several trips, dumping sand on the road just as the palatial residence wore a fresh coat of white paint.

The block drainages on neighbouring Erhomonsle by St Francis Catholic Church and Omorodion streets have since been cleared while the bad spots have been cut, filled with stone base and awaiting asphalting.

The remains of the superstar who passed on at 80 on August 28 at Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin from pneumonia are scheduled to be buried interred between September 14 and 16 at his Benin City residence.

The Chief of Staff to Government House, Mr Osaigbovo Iyoha had disclosed that the government was firming up arrangements with the family of the late music legend to ensure a successful state burial.

Iyoha added: “The governor has approved a state burial for an illustrious and dearly beloved Edo music icon, Sir Uwaifo.

“The Edo State Government is working closely with the family of Uwaifo to ensure a seamless state burial.”

The third son of the deceased music icon, Mr Goodman Uwaifo confirmed that the government has had series of meetings with the family so as to have a successful burial for elder Uwaifo.

He said: “We are in touch with the state government. The family and the state government are determined to give him a befitting burial. Renovation/construction work is in top gear courtesy of the state government. We are very grateful.”

Uwaifo (MON) was the Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism during former Governor Lucky Igbinedion’s administration and was the winner of the first gold disc in Africa (Joromi) released in 1965 and seven other gold discs in Guitar boy, Arabade, Ekassa series and Akwete music.

Born on March 1, 1941, he was a writer, sculptor, musical instrument inventor and university lecturer. (Saturday Tribune)