Ex- Commissioner d!es at 64
The Anambra State government has mourned the passing of a former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Maja Umeh.
Umeh, a native of Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the state, reportedly died on Wednesday at the age of 64 years, a few months shy of his 65th birthday.
Umeh was born on October 7, 1960, in Enugu. He was the seventh of eight children in his family. He began his early education at St. Mary’s Primary School, Uwani, Enugu, but completed it at St. Eugenia Primary School, Amichi, due to the Nigerian Civil War. He later attended Christ the King College, Onitsha, where he obtained his secondary school certificate in 1977.
In a press statement on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, regretted the passing of the deceased, adding that Umeh’s contributions to Anambra State’s growth and development in his time were profound.
He said, “It is with profound sadness that the Government of Anambra State has received the passing of Chief Maja Umeh, a former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism in Anambra State.
“Chief Umeh’s contributions to Anambra State’s growth and development in his time were profound. His legacies serve as a reminder of the power of dedicated public service and community engagement.
“As Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Umeh worked assiduously to promote Anambra State’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential while staying the course of public information management.
“His efforts helped to project and sustain the state’s image and reputation as well as foster community development.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Chief Maja Umeh’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”
A lifelong member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Umeh was a member of the party’s Board of Trustees and was recently honoured as a Life Patron of APGA in October 2023 for his dedication and selfless service to the party.
Until his death, he remained an active voice in political and cultural matters and maintained close relationships with key political figures, including former Governor Peter Obi and the current governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
Umeh was a peace-loving man, a devout Christian, and a titled Ozo man in Amichi known as “Ọkwaka Amichi”. He lived a life of service, charity, and community development.
His death is a huge loss to Anambra State, the APGA family, and the entire Amichi community. He will be remembered for his legacy of public service, cultural promotion, and deep commitment to the well-being of his people.
