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Soludo’s Press Secretary Aburime pays glowing tribute to Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife as Anambra bid farewell to ex-gov
Christian Aburime, the Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, has praised late Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former governor of the state for his examplary personal life and exceptional leadership qualities while alive.
In a tribute to the late scholar, administrator, politician, champion of Igbo renaissance and promoter of national unity, Aburime said that Dr. Ezeife carved his name on “hearts, not tombstones,” quoting Shannon Alder.
Read his tribute:
Great men are known to move hearts in the same manner that they shake their world with great impact.
That is why, when they pass on, they are celebrated and cannot be forgotten.
Today, the sun sets on a great life well lived, as the sands of time shift to mark the end of an era. As Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the indomitable Okwadike of Igbo Ukwu and former Governor of Anambra State, embarks on his final earthly journey with final funeral to be attended by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, this weekend, he is leaving an ineradicable legacy that will echo through the corridors of history, reflecting on his poignant principles, steadfast courage, and abiding love for his people.
Born into an era still grappling with the aftershocks of colonialism, Dr. Ezeife’s life was a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.
From humble beginnings, he rose through the ranks, his intellect and determination propelling him to the highest echelons of leadership. Despite lacking formal secondary education, he became a self-made scholar, graduating from the University College, Ibadan and later obtaining his PhD from Harvard.
This intellectual prowess translated into a distinguished public career, rising as a federal permanent secretary to higher callings in his lifetime.
But it was from being the first civilian Governor of Anambra State (1992-1993) and later becoming a Political Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the Fourth Republic that Okwadike undeniably etched his name in history. He navigated the turbulent waters of the Third Republic with wisdom and foresight, laying the groundwork for the vibrant Anambra State we know today.
His economic policies, informed by his Harvard training and personal vision, were the seeds from which Anambra’s future prosperity sprouted, especially in the areas of education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Yet, Dr. Ezeife’s influence transcended the bounds of mere governance or partisan politics. He was a scholar, a philosopher, and a visionary, his words imbued with the wisdom of ages past and the foresight to shape a better tomorrow.
With a keen understanding of the intricate dynamics that wove together the diversity of Nigerian society, he was a tireless advocate for unity, progress, and the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.
As an ardent and proud Igbo patriot, he was a fearless, relentless fighter for a just cause, always speaking out against social injustice and seeking a better Nigeria built on inclusive governance. A statesman par excellence, Okwadike’s voice rang loud and clear in the halls of power, a clarion call for justice and equity.
His interventions, often laced with his signature wit, carried weight on the national stage. He was a champion of the downtrodden, a stalwart defender of the oppressed, his every action a demonstration of his stoic belief in the dignity of all people, no matter their tribe, tongue, class or faith.
His memories will always be cherished in the hearts of those whose lives he touched, whose burdens he sought to ease, and whose dreams he ignited with the fire of his impregnable spirit.
Even in retirement in his later years before his sun set last year, Dr. Ezeife remained a guiding light. His pronouncements were imbued with wisdom garnered from a life well-lived. He was a constant source of inspiration for aspiring politicians, a repository of knowledge for historians, and a model Igbo leader in whose patriotic footsteps others are treading.
Today, Anambra may be mourning the passage of a great leader but amidst the tears, there is gratitude. We are indebted to Okwadike for his selfless service, his noble vision, and his uncompromising belief in our state and our nation.
As he is laid to rest, we take solace in the knowledge that his legacy will continue to inspire our present and future generations of leaders. In bidding farewell to this colossus among men, Ndi Anambra and Nigerians at large must continue to celebrate the life he lived, the battles he fought, and the ideals he upheld.
For in the lapse of time, the spirit of Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife will live on, his memories will endure, and his life will be remembered as a veritable proof of the resilient strength of the human will, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope may be temporarily dimmed but can never be quenched.
..Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to the Governor of Anambra State, writes from Awka_
News
Airline operators lambast Oshiomhole over ‘unruly’ airport incident, as Aviation minister orders investigation
Concerned citizens and organisations have continued to criticise former governor of Edo State, senator Adams Oshiomhole for disrupting operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport earlier this week when he arrived late for a flight and resorted to selfhelp against the rules of engagement.
The latest condemnation is from the umbrella association of indigenous carriers – Airlines Operators of Nigeria,which described the senator’s action as unruly and unacceptable.
The spokesperson of the Airlines Operators of Nigeria, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, on Friday night said rights of air passengers are expected to confirm to rules of regulatory authorities for the safety of lives, rather than the caprics of an individual, no matter how highly placed.
“AON has had enough frustration and distractions in trying to offer services to Nigerians. Meanwhile, the one that just happened with the high-profile Nigerian is another distraction to us. We have taken an interest in all of the press statements released by the distinguished senator, and AON also had a full briefing from Air Peace on this incident.
“As much as we understand and appreciate the fact that every passenger has a right, it is only limited to what is allowed by ICAO and the aviation industry. There is no amount of disappointment, if at all, from any airline that should lead you to self-help. What happened is a typical example of unruly behaviour. That is not acceptable, Air Peace is a respectable airline, they carry 40-50 per cent of all the domestic passengers, and they deserve respect.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter and directed all aviation agencies to exercise restraint.
Keyamo appealed for calm and urged both sides to desist from further accusations and counter-accusations on the matter.
Last week Saturday, June 7, 2025, inside the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit, Michigan, something happened that stunned the world.
As the choir sang and the incense rose, Deacon Patrick Bruen walked toward the altar to be ordained a Catholic priest.
But just moments before that sacred rite…
He held his grandson in his arms.
Fifty-five priests surrounded him, watching in awe.
Not one of them had ever held their own child or grandchild.
Because Roman Catholic priests don’t marry.
But Patrick Bruen once did.
He was married to Georgiana, the love of his life, for 41 years.
Together, they raised 3 children.
Welcomed 15 grandchildren.
Laughed. Prayed. Worked. Wept. Grew old.
And then… Georgiana died in 2020.
In the quiet heartbreak of widowhood, Patrick heard God call again.
This time, to the altar of sacrifice, not the altar of matrimony.
And he said yes.
At 67 years old, Patrick entered seminary formation.
And on June 7, 2025, Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron laid hands on him.
He became Father Pat Bruen, a priest of Jesus Christ, forever.
📿 First, he said “I do” to his wife.
Now, he says “This is My Body” at the altar.
Two vocations. One faithful heart.
💬 “We’re both trying to live according to God’s plan,” he said, standing beside a much younger man ordained that same day.
“Though our lives are different, the call is the same.”
Because vocation is not a moment. It’s a lifelong conversation with God.
🔥 To every man discerning the priesthood, young or old:
This story is for you.
If you’ve ever felt too late…
Too broken…
Too far gone…
You’re not.
The priesthood isn’t just for the young.
It’s for the willing.
For the faithful.
For those who still dare to ask:
👉🏽 “Lord, what are You asking of me now?”
And have the courage to answer.
Welcome, Father Pat.
You once held your grandson.
Now, you hold the Eucharist.
You remind us all
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#CatholicChurch
#vatican.
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Israeli authorities launched dozens of airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military targets, killing two Iranian top military generals.
Its military said a “pre-emptive, precise, combined offensive based on high-quality intelligence” had been launched – called Operation Rising Lion.
“Dozens of IAF je first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran,” said a statement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack was to “roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival” and would last for “as many days as it takes to remove the threat”.
Iranian state media reported the head of the country’s powerful Revolutionary Guard, Hossein Salami, had been killed.
Mehr News said nuclear scientist Fereydoun Abbasi was also dead, as was theoretical physicist Dr Mohammed Mehdi Tehranchi and Major General Gholam Ali Rashid.
Iran’s media reported explosions northeast of capital Tehran early on Friday, and said buildings belonging to the armed forces were hit in the Mahalati complex north of the city.
The country’s Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned of “severe punishment” and claimed residential areas had been targeted.
“In the enemy’s attacks, a number of commanders and scientists were martyred. Their successors and colleagues will immediately continue their duties,” said a statement reported by the Tasnim news agency.
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