The remains of Joseph Ogbonnaya Irukwu, former president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has been laid to rest in his hometown, Amokwe Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia state.
The late Irukwu, first professor of Insurance, a seasoned administrator, a legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria and an illustrious son of Abia State and Nigeria in general, until his death was aged 89.
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Speaking at an interdenominational church service held at Jane Egbichi Oteh Mini Stadium, Amokwe Item, Governor Alex Otti, commended the impactful contributions, and enduring legacy of the late Irukwu.
He expressed shock at his untimely departure and highlighted the deceased’s desire to seeing positive change in Abia but regretted that it was tragically cut short by his passing just one month after the emergence of the present administration.
Governor Otti acknowledged the significant achievements of the late Irukwu in various fields, such as insurance, law, and his leadership within Ohaneze, but stressed that the most profound accomplishment of Irukwu was his devotion to the Christian faith.
The Governor encouraged those present to embrace Christ.
His words: “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 expressed hope that Joe Irukwu would rise again on the resurrection morning alongside all those who had devoted their lives to Christ, saying that life and death are in the hands of God.
Governor Otti urged the Irukwu family to bear the loss with fortitude.
In his tribute, former President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Gary Igariwe on behalf of the apex Igbo socio cultural group said that the deceased was an exceptional leader who distinguished himself in service and prayed God to console the family he left behind.
Also, the President General of the Item Development Association, Onwuka Orji asserted that the late Joe Irukwu trained and mentored many Item professionals and captains of industry who are excelling all over the word, maintaining that his passage had created a big vacuum in Item land and Nigeria as a whole.
In another tribute, a grandson of the deceased, Tobe Irukwu, described their grand father as a strong and caring man who loved his family greatly, adding that he would be missed by all.
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In his sermon, the Cleric, Okey Onuzo who preached on the essence of the love of God for mankind by giving his son to die to redeem mankind, asserted that whosoever received Christ would gain eternal life.
The event attracted an array of dignitaries from all walks of life including former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel; General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; former Senate president, Adolf Wabara; President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and other chieftains of Ohanaeze as well as distinguished sons and daughters of Item land.
