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Many Igbo people from different walks of life were at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, yesterday as the body of a former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor Joseph Irukwu, was committed to the earth in the Abia State capital.
The Eastern Updates remains of the late Igbo leader, who died in July 2023 at the age of 89, were received by a mammoth crowd comprising traditional rulers, captains of industry, government officials, and religious and community leaders, at a commendation service held in his honour.
In his speech at the event, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who is the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said Irukwu’s death was a big loss to the Igbo nation.
Irukwu was a guy who advocated for the unity and advancement of the Igbo, according to Iwuanyanwu, who recalled the selfless sacrifices he made during his lifetime.
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He charged young Igbo youths to emulate the legacies of Irukwu in shaping their future.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, said Irukwu’s death was a big shock and a great loss to Abia State.
According to him, Irukwu, who was the first Professor of insurance in Nigeria, was a selfless and patriotic man.
Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, who spoke on behalf of the Abia State Council of Elders, lauded the contributions of the former Ohanaeze Ndigbo President to the development of the old Eastern region, adding that he popularised insurance business among Igbo businessmen.
Also speaking, the President of Item Welfare Union, Onwuka Orji, said Irukwu contributed immensely to the development of his fatherland.
The Eastern Updates reports that before the commendation service, the body of the former Igbo leader, who was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, was received at the Abia State High Court Complex in Umuahia.
