The Federal Government has renamed Federal University, Ndufu Alike, in Ebonyi after the late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme.
Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo announced this on Friday during the funeral service for the deceased at St. John the Divine Anglican Church, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra.
Osinbajo said that Ekwueme 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.
He said was being remembered not only as an accomplished scholar but also for his architectural prowess and having occupied high public offices.
More importantly, Osinbajo noted that he had practiced eternal principles that set men and women apart from their peers whether they were poor or rich.
Furthermore, the vice president said that the deceased showed bravery in the face of terror and set an excellent example of loyalty as a vice president.
“Ekwueme was a man of principles, of personal sacrifice for others and service to those who cannot offer him reward,” he said.
In his sermon, the Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, described Ekwueme’s burial ceremony as a crusade rather than a funeral service.
Okoh said a lot had been said about Ekwueme’s good Christian upbringing, public service and educational accomplishments and enjoined Nigerians to emulate his virtues.
In his sermon entitled “Get into the Ark”, the Primate said that the biblical story of Noah’s Ark reminds us of salvation and destruction.
He said that if people lived right, they would enjoy divine fellowship when they die and condemnation, if they lived badly.
“Even if you are doing business, in public service or in the Lord’s vineyard and you lack integrity, things will not work fine.”
The Primate consoled the late Ekwueme’s family and thanked God for giving the late patriarch to them.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion included former President Goodluck Jonathan and his Deputy, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, and 10 serving governors as well as Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Others were Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Bola Tinubu, National President of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Chief John Nwodo, National Chairmen of the All Progressive Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Dr John Oyegun and Chief Uche Secondus, respectively. (NAN)
