20th October, 2017
Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with elder statesman, Dr. Alex Ekwueme as he turns 85 years on Saturday, saying that the elder statesman was instrumental in the fight against military dictatorship in the country in the 90s.
A statement issued by Femi Adesina, Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity) on Friday said Buhari joined all former leaders of Nigeria, professional colleagues and friends of the Ekwueme family in celebrating the octogenarian, whose life’s journey, undoubtedly, had been a narrative of immeasurable grace, courage and candour.
“The President extols Ekwueme’s love for knowledge and search for wisdom from an early age, which led him into obtaining many degrees in various fields of study, including a doctorate in Architecture, and being one of the first Nigerians to gain the Fulbright Scholarship to study in the United States.
“President Buhari commends the former Vice President’s entrepreneurial spirit in setting up the first indigenous architectural firm in Nigeria, 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,” the statement said.
According to the statement, Buhari recalled, 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,” it said.