EKWUEME GOES HOME IN GRAND STYLE
Nigerians are advised to live a godly life to inherit the kingdom of God.
The Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, gave the challenge during a church service in honour of a former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, at Saint John the Divine Church, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
It was indeed rain of tributes, as the remains of Dr. Alex Ekwueme were lowered to mother earth at his country home, Oko.
People from all walks of life came in their numbers to pay their last respect to a man they described as a political icon.
In a speech, President Muhammed Buhari, represented by the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, described Dr. Ekwueme an accomplished scholar who had various degrees in different fields.
During the church service the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, advised the people to reflect on how they live their lives.
He called on government at all levels to provide an enabling environment for young Nigerians to actualize their dreams.
The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, consoled members of the family of the deceased, urging them to hold their heads high, because their father lived a life worthy of emulation.
In a tribute, a former Secretary–General of Common Wealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, said Dr. Ekwueme championed the cause of the modern day democracy in the country.
The traditional ruler of Oko and younger brother to Dr. Ekwueme, Professor Laz Ekwueme, described his brother as a man of immense integrity.
In a reaction, the first son of Dr. Ekwueme, Pastor Goodheart Ekwueme, described his father as a good man.
The body of Dr. Ekwueme, which was in a brownish golden casket, covered with Nigerian Flag was lowered into the grave in the afternoon.
The climax of the event was the re-naming of the Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State after Dr. Alex Ekwueme by the Vice President, Professor Osinbajo.
The Late Ekwueme was given full national honours, including gun salutes and laying of wreath by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Professor Solu Chukwulobelu for Anambra State Government and the representatives of the bereaved family.
Dignitaries at the event included former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, serving and past members of National and State Assembly’s top politicians, as well as religions leaders and traditional rulers.
Dr. Ekwueme was the highest political office holder in Igboland since after the civil war.
KEVIN EKEDIEGWU AND ALFRED AJAYI