The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has expressed shock and sadness at the death of the pioneer Managing Director of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) Joe Billy Ekwunife.
In a statement signed by James Eze, his Chief Press Secretary, Governor Obiano revealed that Chief Ekwunife had passed away after a protracted illness at Northridge Hospital, Northridge, California, USA.
Describing the late ANSIPPA CEO as a Great Staff, Governor Obiano stated that the news was bruising to not only the Ekwueme family but equally to the Government and people of Anambra State.
Governor Obiano reckoned that while every death was painful, the passing of Joe Billy Ekwunife had filled him with a deep sense of loss.
Said he: “Who does not know of the phenomenal achievements that Anambra State recorded in local and foreign investments inflow when Ekwunife was the helmsman of ANSIPPA?” Obiano asked, pointing out that it was ironic that Ekwunife’s transition came on the heel’s of a very successful investment tour of Austria.
Admitting that he had great difficulties in speaking of Ekwunife in past tense, Governor Obiano declared that he would forever treasure the memories of his association with the deceased.
He commiserated with the family of the departed ANSIPPA boss on the tragic event and assured them that their sense of bereavement was shared by many.
Obiano further opined that the tribute Ndi Anambra collectively owed the late Ekwunife was to ensure that the dream of a greater Anambra to which he devoted his life does not suffer a stillbirth.
The Governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed and for enough fortitude for the family to bear the loss.