Birthdays

Alex Ekwueme, architect, politician, administrator, 76, October 21. Born in Oko, Anambra State, he was educated at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA, 1952-57; University of Strathclyde, Scotland, 1976-78. He served as a clerk, Nigerian Railways; technical assistant and science instructor, King’s College; and later, physics master, Hussey College, Warri, 1950-52. He was an assistant architect, Leo A Daly and Associates, Seattle, USA, 1956-57; and later established Ekwueme Associates (Architects). He was vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1979-83. He is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  and was recently charged with the responsibility of reconciling aggrieved members of the party.

Ladipo Olushola Olatayo-Ajayi, insurance practitioner, 52, October 22. Born in Offa, Kwara StatE, he was educated at University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, 1994-2000. He was appointed  clerk in Sun Insurance Company in 1973. He later became managing director, Summit Insurance & Company, 1993-96. He has been managing director of LASACO Assurance Plc, from 1996 to date. He is a fellow, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, 1991; fellow, Chartered Insurance Institute, London, 1991; associate, Chartered Insurance Institute, London, 1983.

Shuaibu Oba Abdul-Rahman, university teacher and sole administrator, 61, October 22. Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, he was educated at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1970-1974; University of Sheffield, UK, 1976-1977; University of Kent, UK, 1979-1982. He was appointed sole administrator, Kwara State College of Education, Oro, 1984; chairman of council, Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, 1984-1986; senior lecturer and head, European Languages, Bayero University, Kano.

Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, marine engineer, chartered transporter, shipping consultant and administrator, 57, October 25. Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, he was educated at the University of Benin, Benin City, Wyzsza Szkota Morska Gdynia, Poland, and the University of Gdansk, Sopot, Poland. He was appointed chief planning officer, Nigerian Ports Authority, 1978-83; head, water transport division, federal ministry of transport and aviation, 1983; chief of staff to the Gongola State Governor, 1983; managing director /chief executive, African Ocean Lines Limited, 1989; chairman/chief executive, Daar Communications Limited, since 1989. The company recently launched Daarsat.

Cyril Chima Agbele, chartered accountant, administrator and accountant-general, Delta State, 48, October 25. Born in Ute-Okpu, Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, he was educated at the University of Benin, 1991-93. He was a lecturer, College of Education, Nsugbe, Anambra State.

Ime Sampson Umanah, industrialist and businessman, 65, October 24. He was born in Uruk Uso, Otoro, Abak, Akwa Ibom State. He has attended several professional business and management courses in Nigeria, UK and USA. Currently, he is the chairman and chief executive, Imesco Enterprises Limited; and director, Newswatch Communications Limited.

Patrick Tor Alumuku, reverend father, 50, October 10. Born in Alumuku Village, Benue State, he was educated at St James Junior Seminary, Keffi, 1971; obtained West African School Certificate in 1975, and was admitted to St Augustine’s Major Seminary, Jos where he received a diploma in Religious Studies and Bachelor of Divinity (B.D) degree. He was ordained priest, May 1981. He was assistant priest at St. Mary’s Parish, Wukari, Taraba State and was appointed the vocations director and the youth chaplain for the Diocese of Makurdi the same year. Alumuku became the  parish priest of St Jude, Koti-Yough, 1984. Three years after, he was nominated rector of his alma mater, St. James’ Seminary, Markudi. He later moved the seminary to Aliade, where he was rector for six years. He was posted to St. Augustine’s Seminary, Jos, Plateau State, as the seminary bursar in 1990. In 1991, he became the parish priest of St. Patrick’s Parish Taraku. He is presently the director of communications for the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.