Nigeria’s foremost funeral undertaker and Chief Executive Officer of Apams Funeral Limited, Dr. Kevin Chukwumobi, has shed light on the reasons many Nigerians dread funeral directors and the industry at large.
Speaking to newsmen as part of activities marking his 55th birthday celebration, Dr. Chukwumobi explained that the fear associated with undertakers in Nigeria stems largely from a mindset problem, similar to the fear Nigerians once had for certain other professions.
He recalled how, in the past, people were “dead scared” of lawyers, with unfounded rumors that lawyers belonged to secret cults and engaged in mysterious practices. The same, he noted, applies to wealthy individuals, whom many Nigerians often suspect of being ritualists, regardless of how they made their money. According to him, undertakers, by virtue of their profession, have been unfairly cast in the same fearful light.
Dr. Chukwumobi, however, emphasized that this perception is a product of ignorance and lack of exposure. He pointed out that in advanced societies such as the United States and the United Kingdom, undertakers are held in high regard and respected for their professional services, rather than feared or stigmatized.
“Why are Nigerians scared of almost everything?” he rhetorically asked, stating that “Nigerians are scared of butterflies, cockroaches, birds, and wild cats and even ordinary cats. They’re afraid of wealthy people, of lawyers, and of doctors too. So, it’s no surprise they’re afraid of burial undertakers.”
He, however, reminded Nigerians that no country develops when its young people are full of fear for everything, because they cannot dare and explore new opportunities.
The Apams Boss insisted that there is absolutely nothing to fear about his line of business, which he described as an “event business” that provides dignity, order, and value to one of life’s inevitable realities. He further highlighted the huge economic potential of the funeral industry, noting that it is an untapped sector that can provide meaningful employment opportunities for Nigerians, especially the youth.
Charging the younger generation to change their perception, Dr. Chukwumobi advised them to seek knowledge, unlearn false beliefs, and embrace new ways of thinking that would enable them to harness opportunities rather than shy away from them out of fear.
Reflecting on his personal journey, the veteran undertaker described himself as a fulfilled man at 55, expressing gratitude to God for granting him the vision to start Apams, the strength to sustain it, and the grace to make his name a household one in Nigeria even in his early 30s.
He noted that the Apams brand, now synonymous with class and excellence in funeral management across the country, is the product of hard work, consistency, and divine guidance. According to him, his 55th birthday is not just a personal milestone but also a celebration of a vision that transformed an entire industry.
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