The Abia State Government has held a commendation service and day of tributes in honour of the first military Governor of old Imo State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (Rtd).
Speaking at the event held at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who had earlier expressed sadness on the news of the passage of the ex-military Governor, said the best way to immortalize the fallen statesmen was to continue to fight for those ideals he stood for.
He said the fight against marginalization, injustice and hunger which he championed must be continued.
The Governor stated that the deceased was a man of battle, who fought against injustice and under development in the nation and ensured that democracy was entrenched.
The Abia Chief Executive also stated that the State Executive Council would take a decision on how best to immortalize him in practical terms, and implored the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University Uturu, to endow a Chair in the name of Ndubuisi Kanu for the study of Strategic Studies and Sustainable Development at the University.
He further disclosed that an annual grant of 5 Million Naira will be awarded to deserving Abians in the name of Ndubuisi Kanu for studies at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.
Governor Ikpeazu described Late Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu as a reservoir of experience, knowledge and wise counsel, and also said his death was a huge loss to people of Abia State and Nigeria at large.
Also speaking, the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Yenogoa Rear Admiral Obi Egbuchulam said the deceased was a competent Naval officer and astute administrator who distinguished himself creditably in the various offices he held including being member of the Supreme Military Council and Military Governor of the old Imo and Lagos States.
In his speech, the Chairman Central Burial Committee and former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim said late Ndubuisi Kanu was the one that laid the master plan of the old Imo State.
