We’ll turn Zik’s residence into Tourist Site- Ugwuanyi

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has pledged to convert the official residence of Nigeria’s first President, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, in Nsukka into a tourist heaven.

Ugwuanyi made the pledge when he paid a courtesy visit to the widow of Azikiwe at Onuiyi Haven in Nsukka at the weekend.

He said that the visit was to pay their respects and also commended the widow, Prof. Uche Azikiwe for the family’s continued support and service to the state and Nigeria.

The governor described Azikiwe as “the undisputed icon of Nigerian nationalism, most revered statesman, political philosopher, nation builder, international political figure, celebrated journalist, author and orator.

Ugwuanyi appreciated the relationship between the people of Enugu State and Dr. Azikiwe, adding that “we are very proud to have been associated with such a legendary personality.”

“As the Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Azikiwe made many visionary and enduring contributions to the development of the State including the establishment of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka – the first indigenous university in Nigeria – as well as many important government institutions, and organizations.

“He also made Nsukka his permanent home and was a notable advocate for the creation of Wawa (ie Enugu) State.

“We as a government, decided to honour him once more by renovating and turning his official residence in Enugu (i.e the Premier’s residence) into a tourist centre so that the whole world can join us to appreciate and celebrate his enduring legacies,” Ugwuanyi noted.

He added that the honour was “the least we can do for a person of his stature and accomplishments, more so, one with such close historical, political and social bonds with Enugu State and her people.”

The governor also pointed out that the late former President did not only refuse to name the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) after himself, he also turned down all entreaties and pressures to name the institution after him, adding that such gestures were a demonstration of “his patriotic spirit, selflessness and altruism.”

Prof. Azikiwe in her response thanked the governor for the “surprise” visit, saying that it was the first visit by any governor of Enugu and Anambra states to Onuiyi Haven since 1999.

She commended the governor for his giant strides in the state and prayed to God to bless his efforts.