By Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former Vice President and elder statesman, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, on today’s occasion of his 85th birthday.
The president’s chief spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari joined all former leaders of Nigeria, professional colleagues and friends of the Ekwueme family in celebrating the octogenarian, whose life’s journey, he said had undoubtedly, been a narrative of immeasurable grace, courage and candour.
The statement said the president extolled Ekwueme’s love for knowledge and search for wisdom from an early age, which it said prompted him to obtain many degrees in various fields of study, including a doctorate in Architecture, and becoming one of the first Nigerians to gain the Fulbright Scholarship to study in the United States.
It also said Buhari commended the former vice president’s entrepreneurial spirit by setting up the first indigenous architectural firm in Nigeria and spreading its tentacles to more than 16 cities, until he accepted the national call to serve his father land in 1979 after a long commitment in building his community.
“As one of the founders of Nigeria’s democracy, the President affirms that Ekwueme played a major role in mobilising the group of 34 eminent Nigerians in the 1990s.”
who moved against all odds in opposing military dictatorship in the country, and enabled the foundation of a liberal and inclusive leadership structure.
“President Buhari recalls, with fond memory, his many encounters with the former Vice President over the years, and his lovingkindness, peaceful nature and deep commitment in seeing Nigeria become one of the greatest countries on earth.
“He prays that the Almighty God will grant Ekwueme good health, longer life and more opportunities to share with humanity from his fountain of wisdom,” the statement added.
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