The distance between Port Harcourt International Airport and Wigwe International University in Isiokpo is ten kilometers.
From the airport junction to the hinterland, every bend has a different look in preparation for a “august visitor”.
Preparations are underway for the final burial of wealthy business entrepreneur Dr Herbert Wigwe at hypersonic speeds. Roads are being cleared, and existing potholes are being repaired. Contractors working on the University project are on their toes. The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, and Isiokpo parish have an appropriate appearance.
Several hectares of land have been donated by well-wishers or purchased by families to use as car parks on the day of the burial, reducing both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Overall, the Isiokpo kingdom appears to be preparing to welcome its famed son home. Yes, he will return home to rest for eternally on Saturday, March 9, 2024. However, when he arrives at Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, the late Wigwe will not be wearing his distinctive smile. There will be no handshake. No hugs. There is no exchange of niceties. He’ll be rigid and cold. Call it “rigor mortis.” He will lie face up, representing the end of all mortals. That is because death, a necessary end, occurs when it will.
Private Cemetery
Dr. Herbert Wigwe had already created a fitting private grave for himself, as if he knew what would happen tomorrow. The tomb, situated within the vast expanse of the University surroundings, is a sight befitting of a billionaire.
The Wigwes’ happy ultimate resting place is reached via a stamped concrete walkway sandwiched by luxuriant greenery. Saturday Vanguard said that three tombs have been built with cutting-edge Italian Carara marble and finished with a foreign granite galaxy.
The statement “Do not grief, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” is etched on the top corner of the composing mausoleum. The sight of the transparent private cemetery is a vivid tribute to Dr. Herbert Wigwe’s wealth, which looks to be even greater in death.
With thousands of foreign visitors scheduled to pay their final respects to this rare gem, the Wigwe International University’s sprawling campus will be the center of attention. The university’s construction uses 60% local workforce from Rivers State, 20% from Isiokpo, and the remaining 20% from the rest of Nigeria. A touch of a detribalized man, one may say.
“He established this private cemetery before establishing the university. His house has been created with a specific gate and walls that separate it from the institution. I can tell you he had a tremendous vision. He had a great vision and worked hard to make it a reality. But what I can’t tell you right now is if those visions will still be realized,” a reputable source said.
Going spiritual, the source stated that “only the owner of the vision can carry out his visions to the letter.” I cannot say whether those visions, including the institution, would be realized in accordance with the dreams of the vision’s owner.”
Almost all of the buildings on campus are being modernized at a rapid pace. Every completed structure has the same color of pristine white with some black corrugated roofs. The interior road construction is moving at the speed of light. Every employee understands his responsibilities.