In 2022, Valentine Ozigbo and his spouse paid a condolence visit to the former governor of Anambra, accompanied by Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife (left).Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, 87, a former executive governor of Anambra State, passed away at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja on Thursday, December 14, 2023, leaving behind a great loss for the country.
"This sad event took place yesterday at 6pm," stated Chief Rob Nwakaire Ezeife in a statement announcing Dr. Ezeife's passing on behalf of the Ezeife clan. Referring to Dr. Ezeife as “our most distinguished son,” he gave specifics about his noteworthy career, which included his period as a previous presidential candidate.
In profound grief and reverence, Valentine Ozigbo, a Nigerian business magnate and 2021 Anambra governoral candidate, joined the Ezeife dynasty and the Igbo-Ukwu people in lamenting the passing of the man he called “a father and great icon”.
"I join countless others in mourning the passing of a great icon, Okwadike Ndigbo, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, with deep respect and a heart full of memories." On Friday, December 15, 2023, Ozigbo personally signed a news release. "His ascent to glory leaves an irreplaceable void not only in our lives but in the annals of Nigerian history," the statement read.
To me, Dr. Ezeife—a man of great stature and wisdom—was a parent as well as a political figure and public figure.
"His kindness touched countless lives, his generosity knew no limits, and his insightful guidance helped many through difficult times.
"Dr. Ezeife was a shining example of honesty, devotion, and creative leadership throughout his remarkable career as an academic at Harvard University, his time serving as a Federal Permanent Secretary, and his significant time serving as the first Executive Governor of Anambra State.
His uncompromising dedication to the principles of democracy and national development characterized both his work as the President's Political Advisor and his candidacy for president.
"With Dr. Ezeife's departure, Nigerian politics lost a guiding light that blazed brightly, and it's not only that Ndi Anambra has lost a statesman or a leader. However, the numerous lives he touched and the significant contributions he made to our country ensure that his legacy will live on," Ozigbo continued.
In addition, Ozigbo asked Nigerians to internalize the teachings and lofty goals that Ezeife espoused and prayed for the deceased's soul to rest in peace.
"Let us celebrate his extraordinary life and cherish the invaluable lessons he imparted as we prepare to bid him farewell in a befitting State Burial," Ozigbo said.
"May his spirit continue to inspire us to create a more just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria, and may his soul find eternal rest in the loving embrace of the Almighty."
"Goodbye, Okwadike. We will miss you greatly since you were a towering figure, a mentor, and a real father. Your earthly voyage served as a monument to a life well-lived in the service of mankind. Ozigbo said, "Rest in peace, great son of Igbo-Ukwu."