The Oko community of Anambra State is set to dedicate its remodelled Oko Civic Centre to the memory of Nigeria’s elected Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, with a ceremony scheduled to take place at the centre on January 5, 2024.
Anambra State governor Chukwuma Soludo, an ally of the former Vice President, is the Special Guest at the occasion who will perform the task of declaring the Centre open.
In a Statement signed by Reuben Muoka Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee, dignitaries from across the country including political associates, families and friends of the former number two man are expected to witness and grace the event.
The statement said in preparatory to the immortalization of the statesman, a select group of Oko indigenes, known as Ide Memorial Group, led by Chief Handel Okoli, former Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Special Duties, had provided the financial resources to transform the community’s Civic Centre into a multi-million, multipurpose centre.
Okoli, said the event will be a commemoration of the life and times of the former Vice President, and a major step by the Oko Community to immortalize a man of sterling qualities, who meant everything in the lives and development of the community and Nigeria in general.
“We came together as brothers and sisters, with the collaboration of Oko Community leadership and put resources together in millions to remodel the town’s civic centre, to be befitting of the memory of our icon.
“We are proud of what we have done, and we welcome friends to celebrate with us as we dedicate this edifice to this man of many qualities and many achievements”, he said.
He said Chief Ben Okoye (Onwa Nnewi) the Chief Executive Officer of Brass Fertilizer And Petrochemical Company limited, will chair the event.
The Oko Community leadership, led by the Igwe of Oko, His Royal Highness, Professor Laz Ekwueme, Eze Ijikala II, Igwe Oko, and the Oko People’s Union, led by Comrade Luke Nweke, are in collaboration with the Alex Ekwueme Memorial Group, to host guests at the event.