President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over passing of the President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor George Obiozor.
Daily Review reports that Prof. Obiozor died at the age of 80 after a brief illness.
His death was confirmed on Wednesday night, by Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma.
President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement issued on Thursday, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, described the death of the Ohanaeze leader as an “immeasurable loss to the country.”
The president extended his condolences to the deceased family, the government and people of Imo State, as well as the entire Ndigbo.
He said Obiozor “exemplified leadership skills and values as a thoroughbred diplomat”, during his time as Nigeria’s ambassador to United States and Israel, High Commissioner at the Republic of Cyprus and the director-general, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.
“President Buhari 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.
“President Buhari trusts that all who mourn the demise of the statesman, who commanded great respect among his peers in the academia and foreign policy arena, will honour his memory by actively embracing his beliefs and ideas geared towards uniting Nigeria beyond geopolitical considerations.”
The President said he has “fond memories of meeting Prof. Obiozor on several occasions” and that he values the “endearing sense of patriotism” of the elder statesman.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased, who, he said, was a “great son of Nigeria.”
