From Kelvin Ebiri, Port Harcourt

It is anticipated that the burial of the Ogoni

Patriarch, slated June 4, 2005, will be a major event that would attract many dignitaries to Bane.

A source told The Guardian that work on the electrification of the community, which began a few weeks ago was almost completed, while the roads rehabilitation in the town was in progress.

The projects are part of the state government's contribution to ensure that Wiwa's burial is a success.

Wiwa died on April 1, 2005 at his home in Bane, Ogoni during a brief illness. He was aged 101 years. During his lifetime Wiwa was a strong supporter of the struggles of the Ogoni people for environmental justice and human rights. In fact, he was the first patron of the Movement for the

Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP).

His influence was such that after the execution of his son, Saro-Wiwa, he became the source of courage, resistance and solidarity for young Ogoni activists.

According to statement signed on behalf of the family by Friday Nwidag, the life of Wiwa was one of humility. He was a hardworking man who quietly and unobtrusively influenced succeeding generations. He further explained that the late Wiwa has been a source of strength to his progeny to whom he has ordained the dictum, "a good name is better than riches."

"As we miss him today, we thank him for the sacrifice he made on our behalf and we pray God to provide a resting place for his soul," the statement added.