A former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, has passed on at the age of 85
The elder statesman, who is leaving behind a remarkable legacy, died on Thursday, 14th December 2023 at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to a short press release issued on Friday and signed by Chief Rob Ezeife, on behalf of the family, the former Federal Permanent Secretary breathed his last and passed on to glory at the ripe age of 85.
The statement said; “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, a former Federal Permanent Secretary, a former governor of Anambra State, a former Political Adviser to the President and former Presidential aspirant.
“This sad event took place yesterday at 6 pm at the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.”
“More details about the deceased and the arrangements for his state burial will be announced later.”
Born on 20th November 1938, in Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, the man, fondly called ‘Okwadike’, was elected Anambra Governor of Anambra State on the Social Democratic Party’s platform from January 1992 to November 1993 during the aborted Third Republic.
The late seasoned politician overcame educational challenges, teaching himself through correspondence courses to eventually earn a BSc in Economics from the University College Ibadan.
He later pursued further studies at Harvard University, attaining a Masters and PhD degree in 1972 on a Rockefeller Foundation scholarship.
His distinguished career included roles as an Administrative Officer in the civil service, Permanent Secretary, school headmaster, lecturer at Makarare University College in Kampala, Uganda, and teaching fellow at Harvard University. Additionally, he served as a Consultant with Arthur D. Little in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
His political adventure also included becoming a Presidential Adviser on Political Matters to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
During his governorship, Ezeife played a pivotal role in transferring Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Federal Polytechnic, Oko, to the Federal Government, ensuring their survival in the challenging political climate.
Pending further announcement of arrangements for his State burial, many have praised the late Ezeife for his contributions to education and politics that left an enduring mark on Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole.
