Long List of Tributes as Heavyweights Bid Ekwueme Bye

After a week-long series of events in honour of the late elder statesman, Alex Ekwueme, his remains have finally been laid to rest amid tributes.

Top government officials, close friends and family, gathered at his hometown in Oko Anambra state, where he was buried on Friday.

Some of those present to witness the final moments were former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Mrs Patience, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Anambra state Governor, Willie Obiano; Rochas Okorocha of Imo state, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state, Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state, among others.

The former Vice President whose remains returned to Nigeria on Monday, died at a hospital in London United Kingdom on November 19, 2017, following a respiratory illness.

Born October 21, 1932, Ekwueme started his career as an architect after earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture and city planning, as an awardee of the Fulbright Scholarship, from the University of Washington in the United States.

He later obtained a master’s degree in urban planning and also earned degrees in sociology, history, philosophy and law from the University of London.

Furthering his education, he obtained a PhD in Architecture from the University of Strathclyde, before gaining the BL (honours) degree from the Nigerian Law School.

In 1979, Ekwueme became Nigeria’s first Vice President, serving as deputy to Shehu Shagari, until 1983 when they were ousted in a coup.

Over the years, he played several roles domestically and internationally, cementing his status as a statesman.

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.

As he is finally laid to rest today, the hope of many is that his legacies live on and Nigeria continues to uphold the virtues of unity and integrity and selfless service as he had always practised. (Channels TV)