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Ohanaeze President-General Passes On Buhari, Obasanjo, Jonathan, Others Mourn
President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worlwide, Prof George Obiozor, is dead.
He was the 10th president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, announced this in a statement, Wednesday night.
“On behalf of the Government of Imo State, I, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State, sorrowfully announce the passage of a great son of Imo State and Nigeria, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof George Obiozor,” he said in the statement.
Uzodinma described the deceased as “an exceptional diplomat and a tenacious patriot.”
The governor said Obiozor’s demise was a big loss to the state, South-East and 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,” Uzodinma stated.
He said Obiozor’s burial arrangements will be announced in due course by the family.
The announcement has ended days of speculations about the death of Obiozor, who was reported to have died on Monday at his residence in Imo State.
Uzodinma did not state when Obiozor died.
He simply said the octogenarian died “recently” after a brief illness.
A member of the OhanaezeNdigbo, who asked not to be named, said that Obiozor died of a heart-related disease.
“One of his family members called and told me about it,” he said.
Obiozor, a professor, died on December 26 at the age of 80.
He was elected 10th President-General of OhanaezeNdigbo on January 9, 2021, taking over from NniaNwodo who exited office after the expiration of his four-year tenure.
Obiozor hailed from Awo-Omamma in the Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.
He served as Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Israel and Cyprus.
The Ohanaeze leader attended the Institute of African Studies in Geneva, Switzerland, and the University of South Tacoma, Washington, US, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1968 before proceeding to Columbia University, New York, where he had a master’s degree in international law.
He served as a lecturer at Pratt Institute, New York City between 1971 and 1975, and as assistant professor of political science at City University of New York, among others.
During his time as the president of the Ohanaeze, he consistently called for the emergence of a Nigerian president of South-East extraction in 2023.
Reacting, President MuhammaduBuhari, described the death of the President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, OhanezeNdigbo, Prof George Obiozor, as an immeasurable loss to Nigeria.
Buhari said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Obiozor.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, 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.
According to the statement, “Describing his demise as an immeasurable loss to the country, the President notes 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 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 geo-political considerations.
“The President has fond memories of meeting Prof. Obiozor on several occasions, and values his endearing sense of patriotism.”
The statement further said that President Buhari “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.”
Similarly, former President, Chief OlusegunObasanjo, said that the death of OhanaezeNdigbo’s President, Prof. George Obiozor, was very painful because he still had lots to contribute to the growth of the nation.
Obasanjo, who spoke from Ethiopia, said, “The finality of Ambassador Obiozor is painful, especially as he still had a lot to contribute to community and national life, but we can draw some solace from knowing that he left his mark indelibly in whatever he was called upon to do. In all the assignments he was given, quality and integrity were his imprint and legacy.”
The former President, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, KehindeAkinyemi, said “The good work he did while he served as Nigerian Ambassador to Israel and the United States of America was a fitting complement to my administration’s painstaking efforts to re-make the international profile of our dear country.
“Indeed, for the enviable and sensitive positions he occupied both at home and abroad, and the developmental roles he played while in active service, Ambassador Obiozor would be fondly and proudly remembered as a foremost multi-lateralist, an erudite scholar, a passionate nationalist, and a diplomatic legend of international repute. He was an icon and a true Nigerian”.
Obasanjo further noted that “it is also worthy of note that Ambassador Obiozor acquitted himself as a peace-loving, unassuming and committed patriot. He was a firm believer in democracy and participatory governance.
“Until his death, he built for himself an impressive profile of immense goodwill and affection among his people. He was imbued with an undying love for his people which informed his acceptance to serve as the President of OhanaezeNdigbo so as to assist in ministering to, and advocating for their needs and truly, he was committed to the development and global vision of his people and the entire South-Eastern region of Nigeria till he breathed his last”.
Obasanjo commiserated with the Imo State governor, Obiozor’s family and the entire good people of Imo State, and prayed that “God, in His mercy, will comfort you all. May God, in His mercy, grant him the reward of the faithful”.
In his reaction, former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed sadness over the passing of the President-General of OhanaezeNdigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor, describing his death as a huge loss to the nation.
Jonathan, in a condolence message he personally signed, yesterday in Abuja, described the former Nigerian ambassador to the U.S. as a great patriot, an accomplished diplomat and a foremost nationalist.
The ex-president who commiserated with the Obiozor family, the government and the people of Imo as well as the Ndigbo in general, recounted the deceased’s contributions to the growth and development of the nation.
“Prof. 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 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,” he said.
Jonathan further said that while serving as the President-General of OhanaezeNdigbo, Obiozor robustly deployed his wisdom, knowledge and experience in the last two years to advance the cause of Ndigbo and enhance national integration.
He added that Obiozor left enduring legacies and would be missed by his family and friends as well as the diplomatic, academic and cultural communities across the world.
Also, former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr Orji Kalu, described the passing of President General of OhanezeNdigbo, Prof. George Obiozor, as a colossal loss to the nation.
Extolling the virtues of the late envoy, Kalu stressed that Obiozor made invaluable contributions to nation-building in various capacities.
Kalu noted that the late diplomat was a nationalist with a passion for the growth and progress of Nigeria, adding that his wise counsel and intellectual contributions to global discourse will be greatly missed.
In his tribute to the late Obiozor made available to newsmen in Abuja, yesterday morning, the former governor emphasised that the deceased was a rallying point for his contemporaries and the younger generation, many of whom seek counsel and advice from him.
He said: “It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the demise of President General of OhanezeNdigbo, Prof. George Obiozor.
“The passing of the envoy is a big loss to Nigeria and the international community in view of the robust roles the late diplomat played at the sub-national, national and global levels.
“His intellectual contributions to global discourse were enormous and worthy of commendation.
“The personal attributes of the deceased were anchored on fairness and equity.
“He was a strong advocate of a fair and ideal society anchored on credible leadership and good governance.
“The late President General lived a purposeful life and left behind remarkable legacies for his family, loved ones and leaders to uphold”.
Kalu commiserated with Ndigbo, the government and the people of Imo State while praying to God to grant the late statesman eternal rest.
Also, one of the founders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and a member of the Ime-Obi (Inner Caucus) of the umbrella body of the Igbo Socio-cultural Organisation, OhanaezeNdigbo, Chief ChekwasOkorie, has described the sad and painful the death of President-General of Ohanaeze, Prof George Obiozor.
Okorie said he was greatly saddened by the death of the highly respected Obiozor because “his death has left a huge void in the leadership of Ohanaeze.”
The former APGA national chairman continued: “He brought incomparable intellectual depth, maturity, forthrightness, courage and diplomatic savvy to bear in his leadership of Ohanaeze. Ndigbo are by their very nature highly critical and republican. Our expectations from our leaders are usually high.
“Professor Obiozor excelled and delivered on his mandate excellently. When it was the turn of Imo State to occupy the exalted office of the President General of OhanaezeNdigbo Worldwide, the state presented an array of highly qualified persons that made the contest keen and very competitive.
“When all factors were considered Professor George Obiozor emerged the undisputed choice of overwhelming majority of the large and unprecedented delegates of Ohanaeze leaders from the 36 states of Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory and the Diaspora Igbo leadership.
“Professor Obiozor spoke truth to power and was a strong advocate of a united Nigeria where justice, equity and fairness will reign supreme.
“The cold hand of death cut short the tenure of Professor Obiozor as the President General of OhanaezeNdigbo Worldwide. He will be greatly missed by Nigerias, the Diplomatic Community and Ndigbo in particular. May his noble soul rest in peace.”
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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.
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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open
The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.
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