Throwback Thursday- Alex Ekwueme

Alexander Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme GCON lived from October 21, 1932 – November 19, 2017. He was Nigeria’s first elected Vice President from 1979 to 1983 during the Second Nigerian Republic. He ruled alongside President Shehu Shagari. Alex Ekwueme was a party member of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

He was the Ide of the Oko kingdom in Anambra State, when his younger brother, Professor Lazarus Ekwueme, reigns as the traditional ruler.

Alex Ekwueme was also conferred the title the Ide of Aguata’s Local Government Area, Anambra State by the old Aguata council of traditional rulers.

He was a distinguished architect and went on to create a successful private business. His business includes Ekwueme Associates, Architects, and Town Planners, the first indigenous architectural firm in Nigeria. His practice flourished with 16 offices spread all over Nigeria. He had presided over the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria.

He was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Institute of Architects. Before gaining national and international limelight as the Vice President of Nigeria in 1979.

In addition to his many public service roles within his community, Dr. Alex Ekwueme started an active Educational Trust Fund that has been responsible for sponsoring the education of several hundred youths at universities in Nigeria and abroad.

He also served for many years on the board of the Anambra State Housing Development Authority on the national front.

He died on 19th November 2017. Aged 85.

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