Abia State Governor Alex Otti at the weekend led prominent Nigerians to bid Prof. Joseph Irukwu farewell, as the former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide was buried.
Irukwu, who died in July at 89, was buried last Saturday in his hometown, Amokwe Item, in Bende Local Government of Abia State, after funeral ceremonies that traversed London, Lagos and Umuahia.
The body of the erudite insurer, lawyer and administrator was committed to mother earth after an inter-denominational church service at Jane Egbichi Oteh Mini-stadium, Amokwe Item, where the virtues of the late elder statesman were extolled in tributes and eulogies.
Dr. Otti acknowledged the achievements of the late Prof. Irukwu in fields such as insurance, law and his leadership activities in Ohanaeze, stressing that the most profound accomplishment of the late insurance guru was his devotion to the Christian faith.
He advised people to emulate Irukwu, saying: “If you believe you’ve achieved great success in life, but you have neglected to sit and pray to God, it’s time to reconsider your priorities.”
Former President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Gary Igariwe, on behalf of the apex Igbo socio cultural group, said Irukwu was an exceptional leader who distinguished himself in service.
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He prayed that God should console the bereaved family.
The President-General of Item Development Association (IDA), Sir Onwuka Orji, said the late Prof. Irukwu trained and mentored many Item professionals and captains of industries, “who are excelling all over the world.”
He said his death had created a big vacuum in Item land and Nigeria.
The event attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel; ex-governor of old Imo State, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd); Sen Enyinnaya Abaribe; former Senate President Adolphus Wabara; President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; former Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and prominent indigene of Item, Arunma Oteh and others.