News
Shettima Leads Tributes For Late Ezeife, Lauds Ex-Governor’s Visionary Leadership Says He Was A Man Of Exceptional Intellect, Pillar Of Nationhood
Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM led the nation in mourning of the late first civilian Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, describing him as a visionary leader and a man of exceptional intellect.
In his solemn tribute during a National Night of Tribute held in honour of the late elder statesman at the grand arena of the ThisDay Dome in Abuja last night, VP Shettima in a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, hailed Dr. Ezeife as a “national colossus and a pillar of nationhood.”
Represented by Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of The Vice President) and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Aliyu Modibbo Umar @alimodibbo, the Vice President commended Dr. Ezeife’s exceptional journey, highlighting his rise from someone with no formal secondary education to a Ph.D. holder in Economics from Harvard.
While eulogizing his statesmanship, Senator Shettima lauded Dr. Ezeife’s leadership qualities, both in the civil service and as Anambra’s first civilian governor.
He acknowledged Dr. Ezeife’s focus on long-term planning for sustainable growth, even if it meant prioritizing future development over immediate needs.
“Dr. Ezeife, fondly known as ‘Okwadike,’ was a true giant among men,” the Vice President said, even as he recognized his unwavering advocacy for the Igbo people.
The VP credited Dr. Ezeife with igniting a spirit of self-belief within the Igbo community and championing their development through political and socio-cultural efforts.
He also described the late elder statesman as a man of exceptional intellect and wit, known for his profound quotes and insightful analysis, saying “he was a mentor to many, and always willing to share his knowledge and inspire the next generation.”
Dr. Ezeife’s life, the Vice President noted, “was a testament to the power of resilience and an unwavering belief in the potential of our great nation,” adding that his legacy “will be a beacon of hope, guiding us through the challenges that lie ahead.”
Earlier, the Senate @NGRSenate President @SPNigeria, Godswill Akpabio @Senator_Akpabio, noted that it was with a sense of grief but dignity in his heart that he was paying tribute to Dr. Ezeife, a man he said has done so much for Nigeria.
“He was a chief advocate of a federal Nigeria to achieve unity and national cohesion. He advocated for effective governance at the grassroots,” Akpabio said.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Sylvester Okonkwo @SylvesterSO23, the Senate President said Ezeife believed that constructive engagement and mutual respect were essential for national unity, stating that the late former Governor of Anambra State was a bridge builder.
“His ideas continue to influence decisions on how to structure Nigeria’s federal system. He prioritized education. We cannot forget him in a hurry. It is a personal loss. I send my condolences to his wife and members of his immediate family,” Akpabio added.
Dignitaries who also spoke at the National Night of Tributes included the Senator representing the Imo North Senatorial District, Chiwuba Patrick Ndubueze @NdubuezePatricC; Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Osita Bonaventure Izunaso @ositaBizunaso; the member representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II at the House of Representatives, Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, and member representing Njikoka/Dunukofia/Anaocha Federal Constituency, Hon Ozodinobi George Ibezimako.
Others were former Presidents of the Senate, Adolphus Wabara and Anyim Pius Anyim @AnyimPiusA; former Governors of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, Rochas Okorocha @realRochas and Emeka Ihedioha @EmekaIhedioha; former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Egwu; former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba; a representative of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu @OfficialBenKalu; a representative of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, and former President/CEO of Transnational Corp of Nigeria, Valentine Ozigbo @valentineozigbo, among many others.
The world’s tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman met for the first time this week, sipping tea from china cups — and bonding over what they have in common while celebrating their differences.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands at 7 feet and 0.7 inches, while Jyoti Amge, from India, is 2 feet and 0.7 inches.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
“You’re so beautiful,” said Gelgi, 27. “Thank you — you too,” replied Amge, 30.
Their meeting, over afternoon tea at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, came ahead of Guinness World Records Day, which is held annually in November to mark record-breaking achievements and encourage people to attempt records. The pair have been honored as “World Record icons” in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.
Story continues below advertisement
“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Gelgi said in a release Wednesday. “She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”
Gelgi said the pair bonded over their love for makeup, jewelry and doing their nails.
Video footage showed them sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches stacked next to them, with the London Eye visible from the window.
Amge said in the release that she was “so happy to look up” and see the world’s tallest woman, whom she called “good-natured.” She added that it was difficult at times for the pair to make eye contact “due to our height difference.”
“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” its editor in chief, Craig Glenday, said in a statement ahead of Guinness World Record Day, which is on Thursday.
“By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us,” Glenday said.
Gelgi’s record-breaking height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
Story continues below advertisement
The primary symptom is growth and bone development that occurs faster than usual, making those affected taller than average. People with Weaver syndrome may have rigid muscles and difficulty extending their elbows or knees.
Gelgi used a walking aid for support during the pair’s meeting. Her case of Weaver syndrome was the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey, according to Guinness World Records.
Weaver syndrome is generally caused by changes in the EZH2 gene, according to the NORD, though the organization notes that some people with Weaver syndrome do not have a mutation in the gene.
Story continues below advertisement
Amge, an actor who played the character of Ma Petite in the television series “American Horror Story,” has a genetic growth disorder that occurs in the early stages of fetal development, known as achondroplasia.
According to Johns Hopkins, the condition causes shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature. While the genetic defect can be passed from parent to child, in about 80 percent of cases, achondroplasia results from a spontaneous mutation that occurs in the developing embryo.
On Thursday, Gelgi shared photos on Instagram of the two exploring London despite the cold weather, posing side by side in front of Tower Bridge.
See Photos of World’s Tallest and Shortest Women Meet for Afternoon Tea in London
Abducted victim rescued, vehicle, guns recovered by police
Speaker Abbas Decries Gross Inadequacy In Health Sector Despite Annual Allocation
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
News16 hours agoDHQ Gives Updates on on Arrest, Trial of Simon Ekpa in Finland
-
News16 hours agoJapa: 1 of 4 Nigerians want to leave the country – NBS
-
News15 hours agoSenate mandates military to free LGs under B’Haram control
-
News15 hours agoOUTREACH: Senator Manu concludes 2-day ICT program for constituents, distributes over 500 laptops to students (Video/Photos)
-
News15 hours ago2027: Obasanjo’s knock on INEC reopens push for electoral reform
-
News16 hours agoI’m not too young or inexperienced to run for Lagos Governor – Speaker Obasa
-
News16 hours agoSimon Ekpa Sent To Prison
-
News16 hours agoNigerian Catholic religious Sister Uti wins $1.2 million Opus Prize