Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife | File Photo
.Says: An icon, our father is gone
‘From his distinguished career as an academic at Havard University to his tenure in public service as a Federal Permanent Secretary to his impactful tenure as the first Executive Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Ezeife was a beacon of integrity, dedication, and visionary leadership’
By Valentine Amanze
A Nigerian business leader and 2021 Anambra State gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, has expressed sadness over the death of
the Anambra State former governor, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the age of 87.
In a statement, he personally signed at the weekend, Ozigbo said that he was in deep sorrow over the passing away of the man he described as a father and great icon, while consoling the Ezeife Dynasty and the people of Igbo-Ukwu over the loss.
His words: “With profound respect and a heart full of memories, I join countless others to mourn the loss of a great icon, Okwadike Ndigbo, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife. His transition to glory leaves an irreplaceable void not only in our lives but in the annals of Nigerian history.
Also read: How Valentine Ozigbo empowered Unizik students
“Dr. Ezeife, a man of immense stature and wisdom, was more than just a political leader or a public figure to me; he was a father.
“His generosity knew no bounds, his kindness touched innumerable lives, and his wise counsel guided many through turbulent times.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife (right), Mr Valentine Ozigbo and his wife when they paid the former Anambra governor a condolence visit in 2022.
“From his distinguished career as an academic at Havard University to his tenure in public service as a Federal Permanent Secretary to his impactful tenure as the first Executive Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Ezeife, was a beacon of integrity, dedication, and visionary leadership.
“Dr. Ezeife’s departure is not just the loss to Ndi Anambra or the loss of a statesman; it’s the fading of a guiding star that shone brightly in the sky of Nigerian politics. His legacy, however, remains immortalised in the many lives he touched and the profound contributions he made to our nation.”
Ozigbo also prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and urged Nigerians to imbibe the lessons and tall ideals that Ezeife stood for.
Recall that Chief Rob Nwakaire Ezeife, in a statement on behalf of the Ezeife Dynasty, announced the passing of Dr. Ezeife, stating, “This sad event took place yesterday at 6pm.”
He described Dr. Ezeife as “Our most distinguished son” and provided details of his influential career, including his time as a former Presidential Aspirant.
valoa2000@yahoo.com
