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Abia holds commendation service in honour of renowned Professor of Insurance, Irukwu
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia, Oct. 20, 2023
The Abia Government, in collaboration with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, on Friday, held a commendation service in honour of the renowned Professor of Insurance, Prof. Joe Irukwu.
Irukwu, who hailed from Item in Bende Local Government Area of the state, died on July 7 at the age of 89.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, formally received Irukwu’s remains at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, venue of the service and also decorated his casket with the Ohanaeze insignia.
In a tribute, Iwuanyanwu proclaimed Irukwu a “Hero of Igboland”, whose accomplishments in life were not only enviable and inspiring but worthy of emulation by all Igbo sons and daughters.
He further said that Irukwu’s name would be placed in the Igbo Hall of Fame, in recognition of his attainments in life right from his days as a youth.
The Ohanaeze chieftain further said that Irukwu’s life and times posed a serious challenge to contemporary Igbo youths.
He paid special tribute to the deceased for his achievements as President-General of the organisation, which, according to him, brought immeasurable honour and respect to Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Also, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia, described Irukwu as a seasoned administrator and selfless statesman that contributed immensely to advancing the cause of Ndigbo during his life time.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, further described Irukwu’s demise as a huge loss to the state and nation at large.
Otti said that the deceased made impactful contributions to the growth of the insurance and legal professions.
He said that the deceased was the pioneer Managing Director of Nigerian Reinsurance Corporation and the first Professor of Insurance in Nigeria and later became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Otti prayed God to grant the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss and to draw solace in the fact that the late Professor impacted many lives.
Furthermore, the pioneer Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Onyema Ugochokwu, said that the deceased showed patriotism and love for Item people, “Ndigbo” and Nigeria.
Ugochukwu, who spoke on behalf of Abia State Council of Elders, added that Irukwu was the first Chairman of Abia State Council of Elders and under his watch the Council gained significant position in the polity of the state.
He said that the deceased was a true statesman who found satisfaction in mentoring and helping to build people around him, which could be evidently seen in his accomplishments.
In his tribute, the President General, Item Development Association, Mr. Onwuka Orji, said that the deceased was a driving force that united “Ndi Item”.
Onwuka described the deceased as a great icon that initiated ventures that resulted in the development of Item land.
In a sermon, the President of Vision Africa Radio, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, said that Irukwu had not only made a name for himself but had also left a lasting legacy which had brought honour to his family, community and state.
Onuoha said: “He was a man that stood tall in all aspects of life and made a good name for himself just like Proverbs 22:1-2 states.
“All through the years De Ogbo (Irukwu) showed me what it meant to have a name and I am celebrating him because he stood for fairness.”
He urged the congregation to live with the consciousness that everyone would be remembered and valued for the way they lived their lives.
Responding, Mr. Agu Irukwu, the first son of the deceased, thanked the people of Abia, “Ndigbo” and Nigerians for the outpouring of love since the demise of their patriarch and prayed God to bless everyone that showed support to the Irukwu family during their trying time.
