President Bola Tinubu has commended Governor Peter Mbah for honouring late music legend, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.
He spoke on Saturday while joining the family and fans of the late legend in mourning him.
This was made known in a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday.
"President Bola Tinubu extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and many fans of Mike Ejeagha, one of Nigeria's greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language, who passed on to eternity on Friday at 95.
"President Tinubu notes that Mike Ejeagha used his music and distinctive storytelling style to preserve and project Igbo culture and customs, inspiring generations.
"May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha's music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation," President Tinubu says.
"The President commends the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, for honouring the music icon while still alive.
"President Tinubu prays to God Almighty to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort to all who mourn his loss," Onanuga stated.
An indigene of Imezi Owa in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State, Ejeagha released his first hit in 1960 and went on to build massive influence and fanbase in a music career that spanned over six decades.
In 2024, Governor Mbah fulfilled Ejeagha's longstanding wish of having the Ejeagha Crescent, Abakpa Nike, Enugu, where he lived until his death, paved in his lifetime.
The governor went further to reconstruct and rename the popular Obinagu Road as Chief Mike Ejeagha Road in the legend's honour and paid him a heartwarming visit during the commissioning of the roads.
"When we talk about Enugu as being the centre of art and culture, this is a man, who brought Enugu to that epicentre. So, we are here to celebrate him while he is still living with us.
“So, in honour of him, this Obinagu Road, the entire stretch of the road leading to his home, is named after him and will now be known as Chief Mike Ejeagha Road,” Mbah said on the occasion.
It could be recalled that Ejeagha passed on last Friday after battling an ailment for 16 years.
He has since been buried in line with his wish.