Beautification of Keshi’s Illah Country-home Begins

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

As activities toward the burial ceremonies of former Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, reach advance stage, renovation work has commenced at the country-home of the late football icon at Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

This development has ended speculations in some quarters that Keshi might not be buried in his hometown because the late former Nigeria’s soccer coach had no building in the town.

However, THISDAY learnt that Keshi actually built a house on a large expanse of land in the quiet part of Illah.

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, on Wednesday paid a visit to the house to see the extent of the renovation work as the town prepares to receive an array of personalities particularly from local and international sporting community coming for Keshi’s funeral later this month.

Ukah, who was conducted round the house by the eldest brother of deceased coach, Mr Sylvester Keshi, and a nephew, Mr Eboka Ofuonye, disclosed that the visit was to see the extent of the renovation as the funeral was quite close.

He noted that the Delta State Government was assisting the family to see that the house and its surrounding was put in good shape for the event considering the number and calibre of dignitaries expected “to come to pay their last respect to the fallen hero.”

Ukah disclosed that Keshi’s burial ceremonies would begin in Abuja on July 26, 2016, and concluded with interment at Illah on July 29th and thanksgiving service expected to take place on July 31, 2016.