Ndigbo Lagos pays tribute to Prof Irukwu
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Ndigbo Lagos has expressed sadness over the death of Professor Joseph Ogbonnaya Irukwu, the first elected President of the apex Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
A statement signed by Major General Obi Abel Umahi (rtd) on behalf of Ndigbo Lagos, says Irukwu’s death is yet another heavy blow to the Igbo nation.
The statement reads. “We received the news of the demise of one of our leaders, senior citizen, and the first elected President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Professor Joseph Ogbonnaya Irukwu, with sadness and a deep sense of loss. His death is yet another heavy blow to the Igbo nation.
“Every death is painful; however, death taking a sage like Prof Irukwu at a time like this, is very painful. He was a man with a good heart who cared so much about friends and family. He impacted in the development of so many persons he met on his life’s path and he never ceased to be an inspiration.
“Prof Irukwu was a personification of greatness in various fields and approaches to issues. His contribution to the founding of the Imo State University, now Abia State University as a pioneer member of the Governing Council was tremendous. Also he played a prominent role in fostering community development in his hometown of Item and was a frontline member of the Old Bende Union which engendered the development of the area.
“His brilliance and administrative qualities are first-class. He was a man of many parts. He was an administrator per excellence, an academic, a lawyer, an insurance ‘guru’ (many refer to him as Nigeria’s Father of Insurance).
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“He made so many people happy with his soft spoken and easy going approach to matters; over the course of a long successful life, he mentored a good number of people across the country into greatness. He wasn’t great in isolation; he made all of us great too.
“Dee Ọgbọ was without a doubt a great personality; intelligent, discerning, attentive, and full of knowledge. He showed so much compassion and displayed a lot of humility so much that every one who knew him sought to emulate him. Your loving memory will forever remain a monument in our hearts.
“He served in various capacities in the public and private sectors and was known to have distinguished himself in various walks of life.
“Professor Joe Irukwu, Dee Ogbo, as he was popularly and fondly known, was the first President-General of the democratised Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a founding and pioneer member of Ndigbo Lagos. Until his death, he was a member of the Council of Elders of Ndigbo Lagos.
“Ndigbo Lagos joins his family, Abia State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the good people of Igboland and Nigeria in general in mourning this outstanding gentleman and patriot. We shall sorely miss him.Thank you for a life well spent.
“May his soul find rest in the bosom of the Almighty. Amen!”