THUR. 29 DEC, 2022-theGBJournal| President Muhammadu Buhari says he is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor George Obiozor, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, worldwide.
The President extended his heartfelt condolences to Obiozor’s family, the government and people of Imo State as well as Ndigbo, at home and in the Diaspora.
In a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President Described Obizor’s demise as an ”immeasurable loss to the country.”
The President also noted that the former Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus, Ambassador to the State of Israel and former Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), ”exemplified leadership skills and values as a thoroughbred diplomat.”
The President said he believes that the contributions of the unique leader and strong proponent of peace and a stable polity, who also held other strategic public positions, will never be forgotten.
He joins the Igbo nation in mourning the irreparable loss of this great son of Nigeria, even as he prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.
For former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Professor Obiozor was a great patriot whose love for the nation and his people knew no bounds in his selfless service towards the unity and development of our country.
He added that Obiozor was an accomplished diplomat, globally acclaimed scholar and prolific author with a reputation for charming intellectualism and boisterous engagements in international relations and academic research.
“He was a foremost nationalist and Igbo leader who continued to make remarkable impact even in retirement, having robustly deployed his wisdom, knowledge and experience in the last two years towards advancing the cause of Ndigbo and enhancing national integration, while serving as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“Professor Obiozor left enduring legacies and would be missed not only by his family and friends but by the diplomatic, academic and cultural communities across the world.”
Meanwhile, the Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa said ”Nigerians would miss his unblemished services to the nation and to the international community, and prayed that God would raise more persons in Obiozor’s mould in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic firmament.”
“We received the news of his passing with shock, but thanked God that he lived a life of great impact and contributed immensely to the international diplomacy and national development.
“As a great patriot and elder statesman, Prof. Obiozor made significant contributions to the growth and stability of our nation through his selfless service to the country and humanity.
“As President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, he displayed an uncommon wisdom and irrepressible courage in his service to the Igbo nation.
“He would be greatly missed by those whose lives he impacted and inspired in very many ways,” the governor stated.
The Labour Party Nigeria Presidential candidate, Peter Obi also sent his tribute describing the elder statesman as his ”elder brother and friend”
He said Prof. Obiozor ”was a patriot, renowned academic and diplomat who served Nigeria and Ohanaeze selflessly and diligently. He was witty, well-heeled in history and effusive in his personal charm and warmth.”
APC Presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he was ”deeply saddened by the news.”
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