Victor EzejaPresident General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor, has been confirmed dead.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, announced the death in a statement issued on Wednesday night titled, Imo State Government Obituary Announcement.”
Governor Uzodinma, who disclosed that Obiozor passed away after a brief illness recently, described his death as a big loss to Imo State, South East and the entire Nigeria.
The statement reads: “On behalf of the government and people of Imo state, I, Sen Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo state, sorrowfuly announce the passage of a great Son of Imo state and Nigeria, the President General of ohanaeze Ndigbo, worldwide, Prof George Obiozor.
“A renowned academic, an exceptional diplomat and statesman and a tenacious patriot, Prof George Obiozor passed on recently after a brief illness.
“The death of this foremost Igbo leader and former Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States and the State of Israel, is a big loss to Imo State, the South East and the entire Nigeria. I have no doubt that both Nigeria and the international community will miss his profound intellectual contributions and wise counsel on national and global issues.
“May his great and gentle soul rest in peace.”
According to the statement, Obiozor’s burial arrangements will be announced in due course by the family.
Some media reports had on Tuesday announced the death of the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation leader. But National Publicity Secretary of the group, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia later countered it, saying he was alive.
The 80-year-old retired diplomat hailed from Awo-Omanma in the Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.
Lawyer to Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, expressed shock on the news of Obiozor’s demise.
Uwazurike who is the current president of Cultural Credibility and Development Initiative (CCDI), described Obiozor as a high flyer in all his life endeavours.
“Prof George Obiozo has been a high flier all his life. In academia, he was a star .
“In political life, he excelled in the appointments he held both during the military and civilian governments.
“In retirement from government services, he was elected the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on Jan 20, 2020.
“In almost two years of service, he stood like a rock of Gibraltar, even in the face health challenges.
“We salute him for his Life of service,” Uwazurike, a former president of Igbo think tank group, Aka Ikenga stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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