By Jennifer John
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has paid glowing tribute to its President-General, Prof George Obiozor, describing him as a great lover of the Igbo race and Nigeria
Secretary General of the organization, Ambassador Okey Emuche made the remark on Friday while briefing newsmen in Owerri shortly after a meeting of the organization.
Obiozor a former Director General of Nigeria Institute of International Affairs was elected President General of Ohanaeze on January 10, 2021 in Owerri, Imo State.
He died recently of undisclosed ailment.
Emuche described him as a world renowned scholar, diplomat, a lover of Igbo nation and Nigeria in general.
Prior to his election, Obiozor had served as Ambassador of Nigeria to Israel, High Commissioner to Cyprus, as well as Ambassador to the United States of America
He disclosed that a condolence register had been opened for the late President General at the national secretariat of the organization in Enugu, while the state presidents including diaspora chapters had also been requested to open condolence registers in their chapters.
He said the meeting was necessitated by the passing unto glory of their President General, Ambassador Prof. George Obiozor.
Emuche added; “He was a man that was deep in thought and a man that had so many jokes he will play and tell. Still he was a man that was committed to justice, equity, fairness and inclusiveness.
He said Obiozor was elected the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at a critical time in the history of Igbo nation and Nigeria in general.
Emuche regretted that some months back, the Deputy President General of the organization, Chief Joel Croma and former President, Chief Mbazuluike Amechi passed on.
He disclosed that the burial ceremonies of Amechi and Croma have been fixed for 4th and 16th of February, 2023 in Rivers and Anambra states respectively, while the family of the late President General will announce the date for his burial in due course.
According to the secretary, it is the first in the history of the organization to lose the Deputy President General and the President General at the same period of time, but assured that with himself and his colleagues at the National Executive Council, the organization is in safe hands.
“While asking for greater understanding, we are going to mourn him, but we are not going to question God. We will continue to pray for his soul to rest in perfect peace”. Emuche said.
