Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme
GCON
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| 5th Vice President of Nigeria | |
| In office 1 October 1979 – 31 December 1983 |
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| President | Shehu Shagari |
| Preceded by | Shehu Musa Yar'Adua as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters |
| Succeeded by | Tunde Idiagbon as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 October 1932 Oko, Southern Region, British Nigeria (now Oko, Anambra, Nigeria) |
| Died | 19 November 2017 (aged 85) London, United Kingdom |
| Political party | National Party of Nigeria (1979 to 1983) |
| Spouse | Beatrice Chigozili Ekwueme |
| Alma mater |
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| Profession | Architect, lawyer and politician |
Alexander Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme (born October 21, 1932 – died November 19, 2017) was an important Nigerian leader. He was the first elected Vice President of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983. He worked with President Shehu Shagari during a time called the Second Nigerian Republic. He was part of the National People’s Party.
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About Alex Ekwueme
Alex Ekwueme was born in Oko Town, Anambra State, Nigeria, on October 21, 1932. His parents were from the Igbo people. He passed away in London on November 19, 2017, after a fall.
His Education Journey
Alex Ekwueme started his schooling at St. John's Anglican Central School in Ekwulobia. Later, he attended King's College, Lagos.
He received a special Fulbright Scholarship. This allowed him to study in the United States. He went to the University of Washington. There, he earned degrees in Architecture and city planning.
He also earned a master's degree in urban planning. Dr. Ekwueme studied many subjects at the University of London. These included sociology, history, philosophy, and law. He then earned a Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Strathclyde. Finally, he studied at the Nigerian Law School to become a lawyer.
Early Career and Architecture
Ekwueme began his career as an architect. He worked with firms in Seattle, USA, and London, UK. When he returned to Nigeria, he joined ESSO West Africa. He managed their construction and maintenance.
He then started his own company, Ekwueme Associates. This was Nigeria's first local architectural firm. His business grew and had 16 offices across Nigeria. He closed it when he became Vice President.
Dr. Ekwueme was also a leader in the architectural field. He led the Nigerian Institute of Architects. He also chaired its Board of Trustees.
Before becoming Vice President, he helped his community a lot. He set up an Educational Trust Fund. This fund helped hundreds of young people go to universities.
Vice President of Nigeria
Alex Ekwueme was the first elected Vice President of Nigeria. He served from 1979 to 1983. He worked under President Shehu Shagari. This period is known as the Second Nigerian Republic. He was a member of the National People’s Party (NPN).
Later Public Service
After his time as Vice President, Ekwueme continued to serve Nigeria. In 1995, he joined the National Constitutional Conference in Abuja. He worked on how power should be shared in Nigeria.
His ideas for sharing power among six zones are now important. They help keep Nigeria stable and fair. Dr. Ekwueme also led a group of 34 Nigerians. They bravely spoke out against military rule.
He helped start the ruling party in Nigeria. He was also the first chairman of its Board of Trustees. Dr. Ekwueme was known for helping others and promoting peace.
He was a member of the Forum of Federations in Canada. He also served on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Elders.
Dr. Ekwueme observed elections in other African countries. He led teams for elections in Zimbabwe and Tanzania in 2000. He also co-led an observer team for the Liberian election in 2005. Later, he helped resolve disagreements within Nigeria's ruling party.
Titles and Honours
Ekwueme held the title of Ide of the Oko kingdom in Anambra State. His younger brother, Professor Lazarus Ekwueme, is the traditional ruler there. He was also honored as the Ide of Aguata Local Government Area.
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He received high honors from Guinea and Nigeria. In Nigeria, he was given the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). This is the second highest national honor.
The "Alex Ekwueme Foundation" was named after him. The Alex Ekwueme University, Abakaliki in Ebonyi state was also named in his honor after his death.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described Alex Ekwueme as a fearless and honest leader. Osinbajo said, "As Vice President, he showed great loyalty and discipline. He was brave and led the G-34 group. This group stood up against military rule in Nigeria. He greatly helped Nigeria return to democracy in 1999."
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Alex Ekwueme
