Anambra State

Former Anambra State Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Laid To Rest

Published

7 months ago

April 20, 2024

Editor

The remains of the ex-governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife have been laid to rest in his country home in Igboukwu, Aguata local government area of Anambra state on Saturday in a ceremony officiated by the Salvation Army.

Speaking on behalf of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma who eulogized the former Governor as someone who stood for justice, pointed out that he put integrity above personal interests and believed strongly in the unity and diversity of Nigeria.

Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo stated that Dr. Ezeife’s demise was the end of an era. While eulogizing the ex-governor, Soludo prayed that God would raise thousands of his likes that would carry the torchlight going forward.

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While noting that Dr. Ezeife, lived out the very essence of what he preached, Governor Soludo said that the former Governor lived a life of purpose, service and life in Christ.

Gov. Soludo recalled that as Governor, Dr. Ezeife did not discriminate based on religion or ethnicity but believed in merit and excellence.

Lt. Col. Nkwachukwu Ezeodimba of the Salvation Army in his message, described the former Governor as a gallant soldier of the Salvation Army who did a remarkable work of reformation and transformation during his lifetime.

The ceremony featured music by the Salvation Army band, a parade by the Nigerian Police and a 21-gun salute in honour of the former governor.

Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, Former Governors Chris Ngige, Peter Obi and Dame Virgy Etiaba, the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, Senator Victor Umeh, his predecessor, Senator Uche Ekwunife, the Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese, the Right Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, among others, attended the event.

Born Chukwuemeka Ezeife on November 20, 1938, in his native town of Igboukwu, Anambra State, Ezeife belongs to a small category of people described as “self – made”.

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He never attended secondary school for a day. After primary education and a period of artisanship and trading, he undertook correspondence courses, leading to graduation in Economics from University College, Ibadan. He later secured a Rockefeller Foundation scholarship with which he earned master’s and doctorate degrees at Harvard University. The former governor died at the age of 85.