The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige has disclosed that the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari has so far spent no less than N1 billion on the treatment and burial rites of Chief Alex Ekwueme.
However, he said the amount spent pales in significance to the enviable contributions of Ekwueme towards the development of Nigeria.
According to The Punch, Ngige made the revelation when he visited the family of the deceased elder statesman in Oko, Orumba North LGA of Anambra State on Sunday.
He said, “You know that I belong to the Ekwueme family; I’ m part of that family.
“ I’m in various committees and subcommittees for the burial of this great statesman. I can tell you authoritatively that Mr President (Buhari ) is committed and passionate in ensuring a befitting burial for Ekwueme.
“If he doesn’t t come for the burial himself, I’m sure the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, will be here for the burial as a matter of right.
“So, I’m here to inspect the facilities in preparation for his burial; and I can tell you that I’ m satisfied with the progress of work.
“The Federal Government is doing rehabilitation works on Amawbia / Ekwulobia road, up to Uga and Akokwa in Imo State.
“We’re also doing road rehabilitation on Oko / Umunze road up to Ibinta in Abia State.
“I know the cost of all this, not less than N480 million.
“The Federal Government is building the mausoleum, which will contain a modern library and other facilities and I also know the cost of that too.
“And remember that the Federal Government took up all the medical bills of flying him abroad and bringing him back to Nigeria from London upon his death.”
The former Anambra State Governor added, “The cost of hiring an air ambulance is not a joke. So, Buhari has honoured this Igbo son in all ramifications.
“He has committed not less than a billion naira in this project because he is passionate about it.”