VP Osinbajo Attends The Final Burial Ceremony Of Dr. Alex Ekwueme, GCON On 02/02/2018

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FEDERAL UNIVERSITY NDUFU-ALIKE NOW ALEX EKWUEME FEDERAL UNIVERSITY – VP OSINBAJO

*Says, no reward or commendation will ever be truly sufficient from a grateful nation to its brightest sons

In recognition of the contributions of late Dr Alex Ekwueme to Nigeria’s socio-political development, the Federal University Ndufu-Alike in Ebonyi State is now to be known as Alex Ekwueme Federal University, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo announced Federal Government’s decision to rename the institution yesterday at the burial of the late former Vice President in his home town, Oko, Anambra State.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari gave the approval for the renaming of the institution in honour of the late Dr Ekwueme who served meritoriously as Nigeria’s Vice President.

Prof. Osinbajo said the late Vice President deserved the honour for his accomplishments and service his country and humanity.

According to him, “Alex Ekwueme now lives in the hearts of the multitudes whose lives he so profoundly touched in tangible and intangible ways. No reward or commendation will ever be truly sufficient from a grateful nation to one of her best and brightest sons. We therefore offer only a token.”

The Vice President added that late Dr Ekwueme would be remembered more for his integrity and the lives he touched rather than his previously held positions and academic or professional accomplishments.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “we do not remember him today because he was an accomplished scholar although he was; how many professors can boast of 7university degrees? Neither do we celebrate him because of his architectural prowess although he established an architectural firm considered the best and it won him fame and fortune.”

He added: “We also do not celebrate him merely because he held high public office, and he did, making history, as the first elected Civilian Vice President of Nigeria, but many have also held high office to whom history has neither been as kind nor as generous.”

Speaking further about late Dr Ekwueme’s integrity, Prof. Osinbajo said even in his unjustified detention for twenty months and subsequent investigation for corruption, the late Vice President’s integrity remained impeccable.

The Vice President prayed that his family and descendants will enjoy the good name he had bequeathed them noting that, “the name of your patriarch and many among you will be greater than he was.”

Earlier in his sermon, the Primate of all Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev. Nicolas Okoh enjoined Nigerians both politicians and those in public service to imbibe the virtues of Dr. Ekwueme.

Other speakers at the occasion include the Governor of Anambra State, Mr Willie Obiano and former Commonwealth Secretary General, Emeka Anyaoku.

Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Patience; former Vice President, Namadi Sambo; APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; and APC leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were among dignitaries at the occasion.

Others include some governors, APC chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande and members of the National Assembly.