Makurdi – Igbo people resident in Makurdi have appealed to the governors of the South-East zone to immortalise the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu by establishing a university in his honour.
Chief Augustine Ezekwesili, Chairman of the burial ceremony of Odumegwu-Ojukwu in Makurdi, made the suggestion on Friday during an event in honour of the late statesman by the Igbo community.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu was , the Military Governor of the defunct Eastern Region, which included the five Igbo speaking states.
He said Odumegwu-Ojukwu accomplished great feats for “Ndigbo” and deserved such a monument in his honour.
Ezekwesili said Odumegwu-Ojukwu epitomised justice and became famous in his quest to achieve justice.
He urged the Igbo to live in peace with their neighbours at all times.
Mr Jonah Aguiyi, the President of Igbo Community in Makurdi said the community mourned Odumegwu-Ojukwu because he risked his life for the liberation of the people.
Aguiyi said the memory of Odumegwu-Ojukwu would remain indelible in the mind of the people because of his selfless leadership qualities.
“His uncompromising commitment to real reconciliation and reintegration of the Igbo into a united and progressive Nigeria can never be forgotten.”
He charged Ndigbo to consider the death and burial of Odumegwu-Ojukwu as a turning point in their struggle for unity.
Aguiyi used the opportunity to call on Gov. Gabriel Suswam to rebuild parts of Makurdi Modern Market recently razed by fire in order to ameliorate the sufferings of those whose shops were destroyed.
Aguiyi also called for the rehabilitation of the road leading to the Eze-Igbo Palace in Makurdi.
Also, Bishop Abel Emmanuel of Christ Apostolic Church said Odumegwu-Ojukwu distinguished himself and left lasting legacies for generations yet unborn.
“He has left a vacuum that will be very difficult to fill in a hurry,” Emmanuel said. (NAN)
Source: Vanguard, 3rd March 2012.
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