Tributes: Late Ezeife a visionary leader, pillar of nationhood, says VP Shettima

*Nigerian Vice-President (Senator) Kashim Shettima leads the country at a Night of Tributes for late Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, describing the deceased as ‘a national colossus and pillar of nationhood’

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima night on Monday, April 15, 2024, in Abuja, FCT, led Nigeria in mourning of late Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, first civilian Governor of Anambra State, describing him as a visionary leader and man of exceptional intellect.

In his solemn tribute during a National Night of Tribute held in honour of the late elder statesman in the grand arena of the ThisDay Dome, in Abuja, VP Shettima hailed Dr. Ezeife as a “national colossus and pillar of nationhood.”

Represented at the event by Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of The Vice President) and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), stated the Vice President also commended Dr. Ezeife’s exceptional journey.

Shettima also highlighted the deceased’s rise from someone with no formal secondary education to a Ph.D. holder in Economics from Harvard University.

Eulogising his statesmanship, Senator Shettima lauded Dr. Ezeife’s leadership qualities, both in the Civil Service, and as Anambra’s first civilian governor.

He equally acknowledged Ezeife’s focus on long-term planning for sustainable growth, even if it meant prioritising future development over immediate needs.

Shettima stated: “Dr. Ezeife, fondly known as ‘Okwadike,’ was a true giant among men.”

The Vice President also recognised the late elder statesman’s unwavering advocacy for the Igbo people.

The VP credited Dr. Ezeife with igniting a spirit of self-belief within the Igbo community, and championing their development through political and socio-cultural efforts.

Shettima further described the Ezeife as a man of exceptional intellect and wit, known for his profound quotes and insightful analysis.

“He was a mentor to many, and always willing to share his knowledge and inspire the next generation,” said Shettima.

Dr. Ezeife’s life, the Vice President noted, “was a testament to the power of resilience and an unwavering belief in the potential of our great nation.”

According to him, the late first civilian Governor of Anambra State’s legacy “will be a beacon of hope, guiding us through the challenges that lie ahead.”

Earlier, Senate President Godswill Akpabio noted that it was with a sense of grief but dignity in his heart that he was paying tribute to Dr. Ezeife, a man he said had done so much for Nigeria.

Akpabio noted: “He was a chief advocate of a federal Nigeria to achieve unity and national cohesion.

“He advocated effective governance at the grassroots.”

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Sylvester Okonkwo, the Senate President said Ezeife believed that constructive engagement and mutual respect were essential for national unity.

Akpabio stated that the late former Governor of Anambra State was a bridge-builder.

He also said: “His ideas continue to influence decisions on how to structure Nigeria’s federal system. He prioritised education.

“We cannot forget him in a hurry. It is a personal loss. I send my condolences to his wife and members of his immediate family.”

Dignitaries who also spoke at the National Night of Tributes included the Senator representing the Imo North Senatorial District, Chiwuba Patrick Ndubueze; Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Osita Bonaventure Izunaso; the member representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II in the House of Representatives, Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, and member representing Njikoka/Dunukofia/Anaocha Federal Constituency, Hon. Ozodinobi George Ibezimako.

Others were former Presidents of the Senate, Adolphus Wabara and Anyim Pius Anyim; former Governors of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, Rochas Okorocha, and Emeka Ihedioha; former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Egwu; former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba; a representative of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; a representative of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, and former President/CEO of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, Valentine Ozigbo, among many others.

Kindly Share This Story