The Federal Government has renamed Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ikwo in Ebonyi state after the Late Former Vice-president of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made the announcement at St John the Divine Church, Oko during the burial service of the Late Dr Ekwueme.
The Vice President, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event said the Late Elder statesman is being celebrated or Immortalized not because of his numerous academic accomplishments in life but because of his selfless service to humanity especially to people who cannot repay him.
Describing death as a necessary end for all mortals, Professor Osinbajo urged the family to celebrate as their late Patriarch left indelible prints on the sands of time and will always be remembered for the best reasons. He thanked Anambra State government for its efforts at giving the deceased a befitting burial and expressed optimism that such will help encourage the younger generation to strive towards excellence and selfless service to humanity and for the oneness of Nigeria.
In his tribute, Governor Obiano expressed happiness at the calibre of persons that attended the event from all over Nigeria and beyond,
noting that it speaks volumes of how revered he is. He also prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased who he acknowledged, lived a life of purpose.
He said the immortalization of the late Ekwueme was to encourage hard work and dedication among the people of the state and the country at large.
A close ally of the deceased and former Secretary General of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku said the Late Ekwueme left remarkable legacies in politics, national and international service and philanthropy, adding that his brand of politics proves to be the
hope for Nigeria’s political future.
The Orumba North Council Chairman, Hon. Emeka Aforka, who appreciated the kind gesture of the Federal Government to their Late Philanthropist, said the hero deserved the honour because he has fought for the unity of this country, Nigeria.
Dignitaries present at the funeral include: Former President, Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, Secretary to the
Government of the Federation (SFG), Mr Mustapha Boss, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso as well as former Vice President, Lagos State Governor,
Mr.Akinwummi Ambode, PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, APC National Chairman, John Oyegun, former Vice President, Namadi Sambo among others.
ALSO READ: Buhari has spent N1bn on Ekwueme burial so far —Ngige
It will be recalled that Ekwueme was until his illness and death the National leader of the People Democratic Party (PDP), the major
the opposition party in Nigeria.
This honour is coming just two months after his death, Dr Ekwueme died aged 85, on the 19 of November 2017, in the United Kingdom after a brief illness. He was buried on Friday, 2 February 2018 in a mausoleum built in his compound at Oko Town. As an evidence of Ekwueme’s humble status, his body was carried around major cities of Lagos, Enugu, the Nigeria capital city, Abuja and Anambra, where he was finally interred.
