Remains of the late Vice-President Alex Ekwueme were laid to rest in his compound in Oko, Anambra State on Friday, February 2, in the presence of some serving and former government officials

FORMER Vice-President Alex Ekwueme of Nigeria, was laid to rest on Friday, February 2, at his hometown, Oko in Anambra State after a week-long burial rites.

Top government officials, close friends and family members gathered to pay their lasts respect as the elder statesmen was laid to rest. Ekwueme died in London on November 19, 2017.

Prominent among those who witnessed the final burial rites were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former President Goodluck Jonathan and Patience, his wife.

Others were former Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State; Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, among others.

In the course of the week, tributes poured in from many prominent Nigerians and top government officials who shared experiences from their relationship with him and described him as a rare gem who will be greatly missed.

During the church service for the former vice-president at St. John of the Divine Church, Oko, Anambra State, Osinbajo announced that the federal government had renamed the Federal University in Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State as Alex Ekwueme University, in his honour.

Osinbajo said that Ekwueme, who was Nigeria’s vice-president between October 1979 and December 1983, was being immortalised for his selfless service, integrity and contributions to national development.

He described Ekwueme as a true Nigerian icon and statesman whose life and times were worthy of celebration.

– Feb. 2, 2018 @ 17:47 GMT |