Igbos from various backgrounds were present at the International Conference Centre, ICC, Umuahia, on Friday as the remains of Professor Joseph Irukwu, a former president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, was received in the capital city of Abia State.
At a memorial service held in his honour, a sizable gathering of traditional chiefs, business moguls, government representatives, religious and community leaders received the remains of the late Igbo chieftain, who passed away in July 2023 at the age of 89.
Irukwu’s death, according to Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, was a significant loss to the Igbo nation.
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Iwuanyanwu described Irukwu as a man and recalled his altruistic actions during his existence, said he was a man who stood for the unity and progress of the Igbo.
Young Igbo youths were urged by him to model their futures after that of Irukwu.
Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, said Irukwu’s passing was shocking and a huge loss for the state.
He claimed that Irukwu, the country of Nigeria’s first insurance professor, was a selfless patriot.
Speaking on behalf of the Abia State Council of Elders, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu praised the former Ohanaeze Ndigbo President for his contributions to the growth of the ancient Eastern area and noted that he popularised insurance among Igbo merchants.
In a separate speech, the president of the Item Welfare Union, Onwuka Orji, stated that Irukwu made a significant contribution to the advancement of his fatherland.
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The body of the former Igbo leader, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was welcomed at the Abia State High Court Complex in Umuahia prior to the memorial service.
On Saturday, October 21, Irukwu will be laid to rest at Amaokwe Item in Bende LGA, Abia State.
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