Nigeria’s first Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, has died at 93.

According to the family, the Ukpor, Nnewi South local government area of Anambra- born politician, died in the early hours of Tuesday.

He was the last surviving member of the Zikist movement. He became the Minister of Aviation at 29.

The former Minister left his Ukpor palatial home in Anambra state and joined his son in Abuja when he became weak.

When he was alive, he led the Igbo delegation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.

According to a release from the family signed by Ezeana Tagbo Amechi, Chief Amechi died in the early hours of Tuesday, November 1.

He hailed from Amihe village in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, was a Nationalist and the only surviving member of the Zikist Movement.

The statement reads: “With total deference to the will of the Almighty God, the Ume Amechi, Ezeana Ihinede families and the Umu Mmara kindred of Amihe Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State announce the peaceful transition of our illustrious son, father and grandfather, Chief Mbazulike Amechi (Dara Akunwafor), Nationalist and First Republic Minister of Aviation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who transitioned peacefully in the early hours of today November 1, 2022.

“We thank God for the fulfilled life that he lived, the lives that he touched and his service to God and Country. We respectfully ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers at this time.”