The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.); former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, were among those who mourned the late President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof George Obiozor.
Obiozor, who died on December 26, 2022 at age 80, was a former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States.
His remains were laid to rest in his hometown, Awo-Omamma community, Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a tribute, Buhari, represented by the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, described Obiozor as a “renowned academic, diplomat, statesman, patriot and foremost Igbo leader.
Buhari said Obiozor’s passion for Nigeria propelled him to return to the country to serve in various positions.
He said, “Prof Obiozor’s outstanding public service career left indelible marks on the sands of time.”
In a condolence message, Obasanjo also described the late Igbo leader as an outstanding diplomat, who brought his unique knowledge and experience to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the international community.
He noted, “Ambassador Obiozor had no doubt come a long in his multi-faceted career as a political scientist, policy analyst, administrator and diplomat. It is instructive that his name, in the last four decades, has become something of a recurring decimal in our foreign affairs and international relations.”
Also, the Sultan said the late Obiozor was an elder statesman of repute, a strong pillar of support to the family and the entire nation. “His wise counsel, especially in times of crisis, will surely be missed by all,” he added.
Uzodimma said with Obiozor’s death, Nigeria had lost a “walking encyclopedia on foreign policy and diplomacy”.
He said, “With the death of Obiozor, the entire South-East has lost a consummate and compassionate leader, whose inclusive, insightful, decisive and innovative style was beginning to bear enormous fruits in our relationship with our neighbours and allies. The Igbo race has lost a gem.”
In her tribute, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, described Obiozor as “a keen intellect, a sharp wit and a gifted observer of the Nigerian condition”.
