In the early morning of Friday, December 15, 2023, Nigerians, Africans, and indeed the entire world woke up to the sad news of the demise of the former governor of old Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Pius Ezeife.
Ezeife, popularly called Okwadike Igboukwu by his friends, close associates, and contemporaries, passed away at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, a news that was confirmed in a press statement issued by Rob Ezeife.
The statement read, “On behalf of the Ezeife Dynasty of Igbo-Ukwu, I wish to announce the promotion to glory of our most distinguished son, ‘Okwadike,’ Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON. This event took place yesterday at 6 p.m. at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.”
Who was Chukwuemeka Ezeife?
Chukwuemeka Ezeife, a politician hailing from southeastern Nigeria, was born on November 20, 1937, in the small town of Igbo-Ukwu, situated in the former Anambra State within the British-designated Eastern region of Nigeria.
As a remarkably bright and hardworking youngster, Ezeife’s drive for excellence and pursuit of Western education became evident when he gained university admission without completing formal secondary schooling.
He achieved something incredible by getting a B.Sc. in Economics from the prestigious University College Ibadan, which later became known as the University of Ibadan, without going through high school like most students do.
Then, he went on a remarkable journey to Harvard University, where he earned a Master’s and PhD degree with the help of a scholarship from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Read also: Former Anambra governor, Chukwuemeka Ezeife is dead
Upon completion of university education, the young Ezeife proceeded to a career in teaching as he was appointed a lecturer at Makarare University College, Kampala, Uganda, a teaching fellow at Harvard University, and later a consultant with Arthur D. Little in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Later on, he shifted gears into the civil service, climbing the ladder to become a permanent secretary.
His sojourn into the murky waters of politics
Ezeife served as the third democratically elected governor of Anambra State under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), succeeding Jim Nwobodo and Christian Onoh, who had governed the state during the aborted second republic (1979–1983).
He led the state for only a year after the late General Sani Abacha took over power in a bloodless coup that ousted interim President Ernest Shonekan.
His achievements as governor
During his tenure as governor of Anambra State, Ezeife initiated several impactful projects, aiming for urban development, industrial growth, and improved healthcare, though some of his ambitious plans remained unfinished.
One notable initiative he championed was the “Think Home Initiative,” encouraging affluent natives to invest in the state, potentially influencing the establishment of Innoson Company’s headquarters in Anambra.
He played a key role in transferring Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, and Federal Polytechnic, Oko, to the federal government, enhancing educational standards.
Beyond his governorship, Ezeife remained active in politics, serving as a presidential adviser and advocating for transparent elections.
His commitment to fair polls was evident as he led demonstrations, urging credible and peaceful power transitions.
Read also: Nigerians must vote only southern candidate; Ezeife
Despite his governorship being cut short, Ezeife’s initiatives left a lasting impact on Anambra State and contributed to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Charles Soludo, others mourn his demise
Anambra State’s current governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has not only expressed deep shock but also shared his regret at the passing of Ezeife.
In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Chris Aburime, Soludo said, “It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo,CFR, mourns the passing of a distinguished son of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, CON, who transitioned peacefully on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the age of 85 years at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.
“A most illustrious son of the Ezeife Dynasty of the Igbo-Ukwu area of Anambra State, Dr. Ezeife, a man of many hats, was a titan in the annals of our state and nation.
“Fondly called ‘Okwadike’, he was elected governor of Anambra State on the platform of the Social Democratic Party between January 1992 and November 1993 during the aborted Third Republic.
“As a Harvard-trained economist, Dr. Ezeife once served with resolute dedication and integrity as a Federal Permanent Secretary, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in public service.
“As the first civilian governor of Anambra State, he navigated the complexities of post-military rule with wisdom and foresight, laying the foundation for the vibrant state we know today.
“He once served as a political adviser to the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, just as he was also a presidential aspirant. Dr. Ezeife was always driven by a deep desire to improve the lives of his fellow Nigerians.
“A scholar, a visionary, and a man of deep compassion, his gentle demeanour and thoughtful counsel endeared him to all, regardless of political affiliation.
“He was a bridge-builder, a voice of reason, and a tireless advocate for the unity and progress of Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole.
Read also: Ezeife: Igbos not begging Buhari for appointment
“His departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. However, we find solace in the knowledge that his legacy of service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the common good will continue to inspire us all.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Anambra State, Governor Soludo extends his deepest condolences to Dr. Ezeife’s family and loved ones.”
Lawyer and influencer Chidi Odinakalu, who boasts over 126k followers on the platform formerly known as Twitter (now X), conveyed his condolences on the passing of the former Anambra State governor.
He wrote, “Teacher, university lecturer, economist, federal permanent secretary, 1st elected governor of current @Anambrastate_ng, Okwadike Igboukwu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, now immortal.”
Sunny Angel, with more than 2,000 followers responding to Odinakalu’s condolence, wrote, “He believed and stood for one Nigeria.”
Kola Adejola, a political commentator, tweeted, “The Nigerian state has lost a great icon. He stood for the truth. May his soul rest in peace.”
These are just a few thousand tributes coming in for the late icon who played a significant role in transforming not only Anambra State, the South East region, but the entire country.
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