ANTHONY EZEKWUEME

Nze Vitus Ezekwueme, fondly known as VTS, despite his short but eventful life, achieved greatness. He rose from grass to grace in his 52 years sojourn on earth, before he was cut short by men of the underworld.

Vitus Ezekwueme was born on October 2, 1960 to the family of late Nze Elemuo Ezekwueme and Ezinne Agnes Ezekwueme (nee Ezeakabekwe), both of Ugwuakwu Village, Umuchu, Aguata L.G.A. He was the 2nd child and the first survived son of his father.

Young Vitus had his primary education at the old Central School, Umuchu, where he scored Distinction in his First School Leaving Certificate Examination. He gained admission into Saint Peter’s College, Achina, which he completed in 1981, bagging West African School Certificate in flying colors. He was to study Medicine at the University but could not proceed due to the untimely death of his father.

Vitus, subsequently joined his maternal uncle, Chief Clement Ezeakabekwe in business. He introduced him to Mr. Ferdinand Okpala, who was running a medical business at Bridge Head market Onitsha. Due to his diligence, honesty, dedication and hard work, his master nurtured him to become a successful businessman in the veterinary drugs section.

Vitus Ezekwueme rapidly excelled in his business and in no time, founded and incorporated his own company: VTS Nig. Ltd. He also founded another company, NANDO Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. Nze Vitus Ezekwueme became a distributor and manufacturers’ representative of many Pharmaceutical companies both in Nigeria and abroad among which are Pfizer, May & Baker, and others.

His acumen in business earned him many awards. He bagged the Best Veterinary Quality Product Importer in Nigeria, which was presented to him by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in September, 2006.

Vitus Ezekwueme married Mrs Appolonia Chinyere Ezeakwueme, nee Ezeude, in 1989 and their marriage was blessed with six children who are all graduates. Vitus Ezekwume was a devout catholic who never missed his morning mass. He became a knight and rose to the rank of 3rd Degree of the order of the Knight of St. Mulumba. Bro. Vitus Ezekwueme was one of the pillars of St Mathew’s (Holy Name) parish, Umuchu and a foundation member of St. Mary’s Parish, Iba-Pope Awada.

In his country home, Bro Vitus Ezekwueme was equally a strong pillar of support to St. Kevin’s zone, Ugwuakwu Umuchu. For his integrity, he held many positions in the church. He was patron, CWO Achina Deanary; Patron, Altar Knights of St. Mary’s Parish, Iba- Pope, Awada; Treasurer, St Kevin’s zone, Ugwuakwu Umuchu, among many others.

Nze Vitus Ezekwueme was a man of few words. He was never seen in a beer parlour drinking or exchanging banters with people. He trained and mentored many boys who are doing well in business. He also undertook the payment of school fees for many indigent students in his community.

The burial of Vitus Ezekwueme holds tomorrow, November 20, 2020 with a requiem Mass at St. Matthew’s (Holy Name) parish Umuchu at 10am. Condolence visits hold on Saturday 21st November, while outing Mass takes place at St. Matthew’s (Holy Name) Umuchu on Sunday, November 22, 2020.

As our dearly beloved was taken away in broad day light; his memory will continue to live in our hearts. Thus, his mother- Mrs Agnes Ezekwueme; His wife, Mrs Chinyere Ezekwueme (LSM); his sons- Chidi Ezekwueme, Dr Tochukwu Ezekwueme, Chinedu Ezekwueme and Chima Ezekwueme; His daughters Pharm (Mrs) Chioma Orji and Miss Chisom Ezekwueme; his grand children and other relations will forever miss him.

We pray that the good Lord will grant his gentle soul eternal rest in heaven. Jee nke oma VTS. Ka emesia, Onye Udo.

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