The Ekwueme Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, today marked the 90th posthumous birthday of the late statesman and former Nigeria’s Vice President, during a lecture series organised in honour of Ekwueme’s gracious memory.
Roundtable discussions at the event focused on power sharing and rotation of public office, with various speakers emphasising the relevance of Dr. Alex Ekwueme’s contributions in the subject matter.
In attendance were Dr. Ekwueme’s wife, Madam Beatrice Ekwueme. His daughter, Barr. Chidi Onyemelukwe, his brother, Igwe Prof. Laz Ekwueme, his brother, Prof. Obum Ekwueme, a retired professor of medicine at the University of Nigeria, his son, Ogo Ekwueme, who is the Transition Chairman of Orumba North LGA. Orumba South LGA Chairman and Aguata LGA Chairman, Dr. Chibueze Oforbuike were also present.
The event which was chaired by Prof. Steve Ibenta and anchored by Prof. Jaja Nwanegbo, was attended by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Charles Esimone, some management staff members of the University, students, friends and allies of the Late Dr. Alex Ekwueme.
In her brief remarks, Mrs. Chidi Onyemelukwe while eulogizing the virtues of her father, said that the focus of the discussion is important especially in today’s Nigeria.
The former Secretary to Anambra State Government, Oseloka Obaze was also in attendance, while Chief Victor Umeh was represented by Barr. Aniago.
The Vice Chacellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, took the opportunity to announce that the Centre will inaugurate its board early next year. He also announced the institution of Alex Ekwueme Lecture as a yearly event to be held every October 21, upon approval by the University Council.
The Director of the Centre, Prof. Makodi Biereenu-Nnabugwu, expressed gratitude to attendees, Ekwueme family and friends, for the support towards the first successful public discourse organised by the Centre, in honour of the memory of Chief Alex Ekwueme.
He is a Technical Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, whoonce was a Special Adviser to a former Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly. Ebuka is a second class upper division graduate of Political Science from University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria and holds a Masters Degree in Political Science with specialization in Government and Development Studies, from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria
