Former Anambra Governor, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dies at 86
Nigeria has lost one of its prominent leaders and elder statesmen, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 86. Ezeife, who was the first civilian governor of Anambra State from 1992 to 1993, died at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, after a brief illness, according to a statement by his family.
Ezeife, also known as Okwadike Igbo Ukwu, was a distinguished scholar, economist, administrator, and politician. He obtained his BSc in Economics from the University College Ibadan, and later earned his PhD from Harvard University on a Rockefeller Foundation scholarship. He had a remarkable career in the civil service, rising to the position of Permanent Secretary, before joining politics.
As the governor of Anambra State, Ezeife was instrumental in transferring Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Federal Polytechnic, Oko to the federal government, which ensured their survival and development. He was also a visionary leader who had a keen interest in planning and policy making, although his tenure was cut short by the military coup of 1993.
Ezeife remained active and influential in the political scene, even after his retirement. He was appointed as the presidential Adviser on Political Matters to President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, he was also a vocal advocate for the rights and interests of the Igbo people and the South-East region. He was a member of the board of the Centre for Development & Empowerment of Commercial Motorcyclists, and participated in several demonstrations and rallies for credible and peaceful elections.
Ezeife is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and other relatives. His family has announced that his burial arrangements will be communicated in due course. He will be remembered for his contributions to the nation’s development, his integrity, and his passion for justice and democracy.
