By Ada Okafor
A group in the United Kingdom (UK), Ogbako Ndigbo UK (ONIUK), has described late Dr. Chukwuemeka Pius Ezeife (Okwadike), a former Federal Permanent Secretary and first civilian Governor of Anambra State, who died on December 14, 2023, as “a great Igbo patriot and administrator.”
Ogbako Ndigbo UK, in a tribute to the “staunch Igbo front line leader,” said they are joining other “well-meaning Igbos, Nigerians, and Africa to mourn and celebrate the exemplary cum extraordinary life of this visionary leader.
“We appreciate his vision for Ala-Igbo which centers on self-reliance, cultural pride, and economic prosperity. He was an advocate of dialogue, peace, and reconciliation for Igboland and beyond,” the condolence message stated.
Endorsed by Dr. Jude Eze, President, Dr. Daisy Nwaozuzu, Vice President and Barrister Kenneth Udeoka, Secretary General, the ONIUK, statement stressed that Okwadike’s administrative skills distinguished him, while his administration in Anambra state “was marked with great commitment to good governance and dedication to the welfare of the people.
“His leadership style was characterized by transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Ezeife was a visionary leader who was always focused on the long-term development and progress of Anambra State. He is well known for ‘AKU LUO UNO’ (a philosophy aimed at encouraging Igbos in Diaspora to think home on investment).”
The group, while commiserating with the Igbo Ukwu community (his birth town) in Anambra State, the Anambra Government, Ndigbo worldwide and the Nigerian Government, over the loss of an illustrious son, also recalled that the departed icon, coined the slogan for Anambra State as ‘HOME FOR ALL’.
