In a solemn gathering that brought together distinguished figures from the Igbo community, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, alongside prominent Abians, Friday, converged at the International Conference Center Umuahia for a heartfelt commendation service to honor the late former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. Joseph Ogbonnaya Irukwu, SAN.
The service provided a platform for heartfelt eulogies and tributes to the late leader, whose contributions to the Igbo community were widely celebrated. Prof Irukwu, a great son of Item Okpi, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, who died on July 7th 2023, was aged 89 years.
Some members of the Irukwu family at the commendation service
In his speech, Governor Otti described the former leader of the apex Igbo socio-cultural and political organisation as a seasoned administrator and selfless statesman who championed the cause of Ndigbo during his lifetime and added that his demise is a huge loss for Abia state and Nigeria in general.
The Governor recalled the giant strides and indelible footprints that Prof Irukwu left behind in the insurance sector, among which are his record as the pioneer Managing Director of Nigeria Insurance Corporation and founder of African Development Insurance Company as well as the first Professor of Insurance in Nigeria who later rose to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Secretary to the state government, Prof Kenneth Kalu
Otti, represented by his SSG, Professor Kenneth Kalu Profession, said; “Beyond the field of insurance, he was a seasoned administrator, selfless and patriotic statesman and highly respected Nigerian. His unravelled devotion, leadership style and selfless commitment to serving his people earned him the revered title of Omezi Oha Item.
“Prof Irukwu rose to the prestigious title of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide as a testament to his leadership might. Indeed words are not enough to console his family at this sorrowful moment”.
Governor Otti, while commiserating with the Irukwu family, immediate community of Amokwe Item, the entire people of Item Okpi and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on the loss of the illustrious son of Abia State, urged his family and all those left behind to draw solace in the fact that the late Nigerian statesman impacted many lives.
The President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, eulogised the sterling qualities of the late elder statesman and decorated him as “A Hero of Igboland” which is the highest honour in Igbo land.
The Ohaneze Leader while reflecting on the life and legacy of the departed leader, underscored the immense impact of the late Prof Irukwu’s service to the Igbo people.
Chief Iwuanyanwu who said Ndigbo are proud of the late Professor Joe Irukwu and noted that his name will be in the hall of fame of Ndigbo.
He called on Igbo youths to imbibe the leadership qualities of the late sage, pointing out that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo will open a hall of fame for Igbo youths who distinguish themselves in their chosen fields.
In his speech on behalf of the Abia State Council of Elders, pioneer Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC), Chief Onyema Ugochukwu said the deceased showed patriotism and love for Item people and Ndigbo, adding that as the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Elders, the council gained significance under his watch.
Chief Onyema Ugochukwu
Contributing, the President General, Item Development Association, Sir Onwuka Orji described the deceased as a great mentor and icon who orchestrated the development and honour in Item land and noted that the late statesman was a driving force that united the Item people of Bende LGA.
In his sermon, the President of Vision Africa Radio, Rev Sunday Onuoha who drew inspiration from Proverbs 22:1-2 and Ecclesiastes 7:1, emphasized that the late Irukwu had not only made a name for himself but had also left a lasting legacy and urged the congregation to live lives that they would be remembered and valued.
He said the late Prof Joe Irukwu made a profound decision to embrace Christ, and through this received a new name, adding that “When Christ enters your life, He bestows upon you a new identity”.
Rev Onuoha urged everyone to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, which would allow them to receive a new name and be part of God’s kingdom.
L-R, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, Chief of staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Further Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Dr Uche Ogah and SSG, Prof Kenneth Kalu
He extended his gratitude to all who gathered to pay their final respects to the deceased as well as the Ohaneze Ndigbo for bestowing the late Irukwu with the respect and honour befitting a hero of Igbo land.
The event was attended by prominent Sons and stakeholders in Igboland, including a former Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Dr Uche Ogah, Nigerian Economist and Former DG of the Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr Arunma Oteh, Chief of Staff to the Governor Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu among distinguished figures from the Igbo community,
