President Muhammadu Buhari and the British government have expressed sadness with the passing of Professor George Obiozor, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, worldwide.
Newsonline reports that President Buhari and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, said the death of George Obiozor is an immeasurable loss to Ndigbo, Nigeria and Africa.
In a condolence message by the special adviser to Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, read in part:
“President Muhammadu Buhari is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor George Obiozor, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, worldwide.
“He extends heartfelt condolences to Obiozor’s family, the government and people of Imo State as well as Ndigbo, at home and in the Diaspora.
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“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.
“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.”
On her part, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, said had she not had an engagement with Obiozor in May 2022, she would have missed the privilege of meeting the Ohanaeze president for the last time before his death.
Catriona Laing on her Twitter handle said, ‘I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the President General of Ohanaeze-Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor.
“I was privileged to have hosted him at my Residence in May 2022.
“I offer my condolences to his family and friends at this time.
“May he rest in peace.”