Bishop, Ngige urge Nigerians to emulate Ekwueme’s virtues

THE Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alex Ibezim and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige have urged Nigerians to emulate the good virtues of former Vice President Alex Ekwueme who has contributed much to the development of mankind. The remains of Ekwueme arrived the Amansea border post yesterday, enroute Oko, Anambra State, his final place of rest.

At a commendation service organised by the Anambra State government at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Most Rev Ibezim declared that Nigeria has lost a statesman, who worked for the unity of Nigeria.

According to the bishop, if Ekwueme had not done well, people would not have gathered here for his funeral.

He said, “We should emulate Ekwueme’s life and study his political character,” adding that that the great son of Igboland was not the type that pulls peo- ple down.

His death reminds us that life is a journey and today Alex has journeyed into Anambra for his last resting place at Oko, as he asked, “who will wear his shoes, who will counsel Ndigbo when the need arises and what is life all about?”

In a sermon titled “What is your life?’’ the Anglican cleric reminded mourners that there is heaven and hell fire, insisting that those who emulate Jesus Christ will be saved, just as he reminded people that nobody could tell what will happen in the next minute. While praying for the good health of the Ekwueme family, Ibezim also wished that nobody present will miss heaven.

Earlier in his speech, Governor Willie Obiano described late Ekwueme as a man who always ensures that Nigeria comes first, saying that he was his mentor. Ngige appealed to all Nigerians to live peacefully, warning politicians in the South East to work for progress and development of the area.