Former Nigerian minister Uche Ogah laments Joe Irukwu’s passing at 89

Professor Joe Irukwu (CFR), the former president general of the leading Igbo socio-cultural organisation, passed away. The former minister of state for mines and steel development, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, expressed his sorrow.

Ogah referred to the late Irukwu as a nationalist, legal luminary, and insurance guru in a condolence message he provided to journalists in Umuahia, Abia State.

In addition to founding the African Development Insurance Company and serving as the forerunner Managing Director of Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation, the deceased made significant contributions to the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy, according to him.

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Professor Irukwu’s passing was characterised by the ex-minister as a significant blow that has left a gaping hole that will be challenging to fill.

Death is a necessary end for all mortals, but for a man like Dee Ogboo, who came, saw, and conquered in all facets of human endeavour, death is not a necessary end.

Ogah, however, joined all people of goodwill to express sympathy to the Irukwu family, the residents of Amokwe Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), and the insurance industry on the passing of this pan-African, real Nigerian statesman, and illustrious son of Abia State on behalf of his family.

“To the Irukwus: Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I implore you to put your faith in God, build on the traditions that Prof. Irukwu established, and pray for God to accept the soul of this revered figure and grant him eternal rest. Dr. Ogah also added Laa Nke Oma Dee Ogboo.