The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) expresses profound condolences to the family of our revered member, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife (Okwadike), the former governor of Anambra State who died on Thursday 14th December, 2023.
An elder statesman and Igbo activist, Ezeife was a pillar of support to Ndigbo and Nigerians in general. His accomplishments transcend the ordinary both in the academia and politics.
From a humble background, Ezeife earned a PhD in 1972 from Harvard University where he excelled as a teaching fellow and a consultant with Arthur D. Little in Massachusetts.
He was also a lecturer at Makerere University Kampala, Uganda. He rose to the position of a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.
A man of courage and eloquence, Ezeife’s contributions to the growth and development of the South-East geopolitical zone is unparalleled. To his credit, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Federal Polytechnic Oko were upgraded to federal institutions during his tenure as Anambra State governor.
In recent times, Ezeife was a notable voice in proffering solutions to the state of insecurity in the South-East. He is also a prominent member of the apex socio-cultural Igbo organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo. His mentorship and wise fatherly counsel will be sorely missed by all lovers of democracy.
FOSAD therefore urges the federal government to recognize this distinguished son of Ndigbo by naming a national monument in his honour.
Adieu Okwadike! You came, you saw and you conquered!
Signed
Dr Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary-General, FOSAD
