Policy Briefs

Nigeria’s first democratically elected Vice President, Dr. Alex Ifeanyi Ekwueme, GCON, was laid to rest on Friday 2 February at his country home, in Oko Anambra State.  His being laid to rest marked the formal conclusion of one week of burial rites in London, Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Awka and Oko. 

Numerous Nigerian dignitaries, high government officials, clergy, close friends and family members were at hand to pay their last respect to the 85-year-old elder statesmen who died in November 2017. The Federal Government delegation led by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, used the occasion to immortalize Dr Ekwueme, by announcing the the Federal University in Ebonyi stare has been renamed after him. 

Dignitaries present included, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan,  former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Governor, Willie Obiano of Anambra State; Rochas Okorocha of Imo state, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state, Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Dr Sylvester Ugoh, among others.

Others were SGF Boss Mustapha,  PDP Chairman Uche Secondus, APC Chairman John Oyegun, Senator Onyeabo Obi,Senator  Godswill Akpabio, Senator Sam Egwu, Senator Theordore Orji, Senator Andy Uba, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Senator Victor Umeh,  former Governors Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Virgy Etiaba, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Chris Ngige,  ACP Governorship Candidate Tony Nwoye, PDP Governorship Candidate Oseloka H. Obaze, and UPP Governorship candidate Osita Chidoka.  

Dr. Ekwueme who took ill after his 85th birthday, died at a hospital in London United Kingdom on November 19, 2017, following a respiratory illness.

The Pimate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Rt Rev Dr. Nicholas Okoh presided over the funeral ceremonies.  Chief Emeka Anyaoku delivered a moving and befitting eulogy. 

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