Ekwueme left footprints on sands of time – Ambode

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday said that the late Dr Alex Ekwueme left his footprints on the sands of time.

Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, described the late Ekwueme as a complete gentleman, a thorough bred scholar, a philanthropist and a politician per excellence.

He said Ekwueme contributed his quota to serving his country and humanity.

Ekwueme, who was the Vice-President of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983, died in a London Hospital at the age of 85.

“Dr Ekwueme was a man of many parts. He was a scholar of repute who had so many academic awards to his name.

“Not only did he bag degrees in Philosophy, History, Sociology, Law as well as Architecture and City Planning, he was a successful business man to the core and impacted on the lives of his people positively.

“He was also a detribalised Nigerian who committed to the course of a united, indivisible and prosperous Nigeria.

“ He believed so much in all inclusive governance and was one of those patriotic Nigerians who contributed in laying the foundation of a sustainable democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

Ambode, while commiserating with the family of the late elder statesman, urged them to uphold the ideals he stood for, saying that the nation would continue to draw inspiration from his life and times.

“His demise, just like that of our heroes past, must never be in vain. There can be no better time to unite together to achieve a better and more prosperous Nigeria.

“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Dr Ekwueme on this great and irreparable loss.

“He was a pride to our country and we will surely miss him,” he said.