BIOGRAPHY OF MR. VINCENT NWEKE EZEKWE

Mr. Vincent Nweke Ezekwe hailed from Uruonyejem clan in Egbengwu, Nimo, Anambra State, Nigeria. He was born in 1917 and died on April 6, 1987. May his soul rest in peace.

Mr. Vincent Ezekwe attended elementary schools in Nimo and Adazi. Later, he was educated at St. Charles Teachers Training College in Onitsha. He trekked each day from Nimo to Adazi during his elementary school days and financed his entire education from self-effort and resourcefulness.

From 1935-1940, he taught in several local schools around Nimo including Adazi.

In 1940, he was recruited into the British Army to fight during the Second World War. The British Army Officers, impressed by his eloquence, diligence, and hard work, enlisted him in the Medical Corps. By the end of the war in 1945, he was promoted rapidly to the rank of a sergeant. During  the war, he travelled widely through North Africa (Egypt, Libya, Algeria, and Morocco), Middle East (Israel, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon), and Far East (Burma, now called Myanmar, and Malaya, now called Malaysia). These exposures to other peoples and cultures during his travels, solidified his beliefs in education as a means of developing and uplifting communities. Consequently, he promoted education as a vehicle for improving lives and changing communities.

He married Miss Roseline Oriaku Ezekwe (nee Obiagui) on June 20, 1946 after returning to Nimo from the war in 1945. They were blessed with eight children (Angela, Nnaemeka, Bridget, Elizabeth, Ngozi, Nkechi, Ike, and Maureen). Through their endeavor and sacrifices, they educated all their children through at least secondary school level.

From 1946 – 1961, he was a successful general contract in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. In 1962, he accepted employment with Queen Elizabeth Specialist Hospital in Umuahia. He was an employee of the hospital until his retirement in 1984.

Mr. Vincent Ezekwe was a philanthropist of different kind and breed during his days. He did not give money but himself to the community. He ministered to the sick with the skills he acquired during the Second World War. He encouraged and advised those in need in the community specifically to send their children to school. He symbolized courage, honesty, and fortitude to the community.

We, his children, aspire to cherish his memory by promoting education as a vehicle for alleviating poverty and developing our community.