.Honoured posthumously

The late former President-General (PG) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. Joseph Irukwu, was buried yesterday in his Amokwe Item town in Bende Local Council of Abia State after a church service.
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The deceased was also posthumously honoured with the ‘Hero of Ndigbo’ award at the ceremony.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo PG, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, had last Friday during a commendation service in Irukwu’s honour at Umuahia, the state capital, announced the posthumous award.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, expressed shock at Irukwu’s death, recalling his desire to see positive changes in Abia.

He regretted that the desire was tragically cut short by his passing just one month after the emergence of the present administration in the state.

Otti also acknowledged the significant achievements of the late Irukwu in various fields, including his being the first Professor of Insurance in Nigeria, among others.

The governor, who described Irukwu as a devoted Christian, further said: “If you believe you’ve achieved great success in life but have neglected to sit and pray to God, it’s time to reconsider your priorities.”

He therefore expressed hope that the deceased would rise again on the resurrection morning alongside all those who had devoted their lives to Christ.

He also commiserated with the deceased’s family and relatives, urging them to bear his loss with fortitude.

At the interdenominational church service held at Jane Egbichi Oteh Mini Stadium, Amokwe Item, the Rev. Dr. Okey Onuzo, in his sermon, which focused on the essence of the love of God for mankind, said that God gave his son to die to redeem mankind, stressing that whosoever receives Christ would gain eternal life.

In his tribute, former PG of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Gary Igariwe, on behalf of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, said the deceased was an exceptional leader who distinguished himself in service and prayed to God to console the family he left behind.

Also, the President General of the Item Development Association, Sir Onwuka Orji, asserted that the late Irukwu trained and mentored many Item professionals and captains of industry who are excelling all over the world, maintaining that his passage has created a big vacuum in the community and Nigeria as a whole.

A grandson of the deceased, Tobe Irukwu, described his grandfather as a strong and caring man who loved his family greatly, adding that all would miss him.
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