The acting National President of the youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, expressed his admiration on Tuesday for Igbo leaders who bestowed a posthumous award on the late former President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Professor Joe Irukwu.
Professor Irukwu, who passed away in July at the age of 89, was laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown of Amokwe Item, Bende Local Government Area in Abia State. The funeral ceremonies spanned across London, Lagos, and Umuahia, paying tribute to the remarkable life of this esteemed elder statesman.
The inter-denominational church service held at the Jane Egbichi Oteh Mini-stadium in Amokwe Item captured the essence of Professor Irukwu’s virtues, as family, friends, and dignitaries eulogized his contributions to society. Furthermore, the late Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General was duly honored with induction into the Igbo Hall of Fame.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, the Ohanaeze youth leader, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, highlighted Professor Irukwu’s unwavering commitment to promoting the interests of the Igbo nation during his lifetime. He further emphasized that the late statesman would forever be remembered as a great nationalist, insurance tycoon, and role model who achieved success in various fields of human endeavor.
Okpalaezeukwu seized the opportunity to extend heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire Igbo youth community to the Irukwu family, the Government and People of Abia State, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, under the leadership of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
