Abia state Governor,Dr Alex Otti has promised to collaborate with the South East Governor’s of Imo, Enugu,Ebonyi and Anambra states to ensure that the late former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief (Prof.) Joseph Ogbonnaya Irukwu, SAN, is given a befitting burial.
The Governor disclosed this in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Ukoh, while reacting to the news of the demise of the the former leader of the apex Igbo socio-cultural and political organisation.
Late Prof Joe Irukwu
Prof Irukwu, a great son of Item Okpi, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, according to his son, Pastor Agu Irukwu, passed on at the age of 89.
Governor Otti, commiserated with the family, immediate community, Amokwe Item, the entire people of Item Okpi and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on the loss of the illustrious son of Abia State and Nigerian statesman.
He 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 Reinsurance Corporation and founder of African Development Insurance Company.
Governor Otti noted that the the former leader of the apex Igbo socio-cultural and political organisation made other accomplishments as a consummate lawyer, lecturer and author of several books on insurance which earned him the sobriquet, “Mr. Insurance”.
The Governor, thanked God for blessing Abia with the calibre of Prof Irukwu’s person and the life he lived and urged the family to find comfort in the legacies the late octogenarian left behind.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the former leader of the apex Igbo socio-cultural and political organisation, Ohanaeze.
