The body of the former leader of the Igbo apex organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Professor Joe Ogbonnaya Irukwu,who died in July 2023 at the age of 89, was received by a mammoth crowd of Igbos comprising of traditional rulers, captains of industry, government officials, Methodist church and community leaders in Umuahia, on Friday.
Irukwu, who was a former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, was also the first Nigerian Professor of Insurance.
His corpse was brought to Abia State High Court complex in Umuahia, where he was honoured in a brief ceremony, as he was also, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
After the High Court ceremony, the body of the former Ohanaeze President, was taken to International Conference Centre, Umuahia, where a commendation service was held in his honour.
In his address at the commendation service, the the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said the death of Professor Irukwu, was a big loss to the Igbo nation, saying that Irukwu applied his wealth of experience in promoting love between the Igbos and other tribes in Nigeria.
Iwuanyanwu, who recalled the selfless efforts of Irukwu in his lifetime, said he was a man who stood for the unity and progress of the Igbo nation.
He advised Igbo youths to emulate the legacies of Irukwu in shaping their future.
Governor, Alex Otti in his own address, said Irukwu’s death was a big shock and great loss to Abia State, saying that Irukwu who was the the first Professor of Insurance in Nigeria, was a very selfless and patriotic man.
Otti, who was represented by the Secretary to Abia State government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, urged the family of the former Igbo leader to take solace in the life-time contributions of their father.
Delivering his message at the commendation service, a Methodist Bishop, Bishop Sunday Onuoha said Professor Irukwu was many things to many people as he made a name for himself.
Also speaking, the President of Item Welfare union, Onwuka Orji, said Professor contributed immensely to the development of his father land.
There was an atmosphere of nostalgia and pain inside the ICC arena in Umuahia as some indigenes of Item Okpi, the hometown of Professor Joe Irukwu and some other mourners, broke down in tears as his tribute’s were read out in his honour.
The late Irukwu hailed from Amaokwe Item, Bende LGA of Abia State.
