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First Nigerian Ambassador for Peace Dies, 85
Written by Dr. Raphael Ogar Oko, secretary general, UPF-Nigeria
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme,
October 21, 1932 - November 19, 2017
Abuja, Nigeria—Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, the first Nigerian to be appointed as an Ambassador for Peace, has died at the age of 85.
His Excellency Dr. Ekwueme,who carried the title of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), passed on to the eternal spiritual world on Sunday, November 19, 2017.
Dr. Ekwueme was the first elected vice president of Nigeria, serving in office from 1979 to 1983.
He was born on October 21, 1932, in Anambra State. He earned a doctorate in architecture and worked in the United States and the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria.
Dr. Ekwueme was among the first set of global leaders from Nigeria appointed by UPF founders Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon as Ambassadors for Peace. His involvement in the early stages of the Ambassadors for Peace movement inspired many Nigerians to welcome the program in Nigeria.
A statement from his family, signed by his brother Igwe Laz Ekwueme, who is the traditional ruler of the Oko community in Anambra State, said that he died in London on Sunday, November 19, 2017, at about 10:00 pm.
Part of the statement read: “Ekwueme family regrets to announce the peaceful passing away of their patriarch, the former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, GCON.”
UPF-Nigeria joins the family and other Nigerians in praying for the peaceful ascension of the former vice president of their nation. As we await further information from his family and the Nigerian government, UPF calls on all Ambassadors for Peace to pray for the peaceful ascension of the pioneer Ambassador for Peace in Nigeria.
In the days ahead, UPF will announce a special "Legacy of Peace" ceremony to honor Dr. Ekwueme’s accomplishments on earth. A register has been opened at the Peace Embassy in Abuja for Ambassadors for Peace to convey their testimonies of his life and their condolences to the family.
UPF Ambassadors for Peace in Anambra State are reaching out to the family and government of Anambra State to enable our members to participate in the final burial programs, which are yet to be announced.
Dr. Ekwueme lived a peaceful life and died peacefully. We are hopeful that as an Ambassador for Peace, his spirit will "Rest in Peace."
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