•Ukiwe, Dike, Eke, Orji others extoll virtues of insurance guru, lecturer
By Chukwudi Nweje
On Sunday October 8, the popular hymn composed by Ira David Sankey: “Fading away like the stars of the morning; Losing their light in the glorious sun; thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling; Only remembered by what we have done…” was demonstrated at the NPA Recreation Club Hall in Surulere, Lagos.
The event was the celebration of life and times of Prof Joseph Ogbonnaya Irukwu, former President General of pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. It was organised by Item Union Lagos in collaboration with the family of the late Professor Irukwu.
The crowd had gathered for one of the traditional rites of passage − ‘icho mmadu’ − for the late lawyer, lecturer, author and insurance guru, who was the founding managing director of Nigerian Reinsurance Corporation. He also founded African Development Insurance Company. Diamond Bank later acquired the company. He died on July 7, 2023 at 89.
‘Icho mmadu’ is a carnival-like celebration of the dead. During the icho mmadu, the loved ones of the deceased carry his portrait around, asking passers-by if they saw him.
The ceremony for Irukwu began with an opening prayer by Pastor Onyekwere Ogba, who asked God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and give the survivors the fortitude to bear the loss.
After the prayer session, indigenes of Item ran around the NPA ground in search of late Prof Irukwu. It was a celebration of life because everyone at the occasion remembered Irukwu for what he has done and how he impacted the lives of many, not just in his native Item but in Nigeria, Africa and the whole world.
After the search for late Prof Irukwu, fondly referred to as Dee Ogboo amongst his kinsmen, the elders in the gathering took turns to narrate their last encounters with him. Those who spoke include Chief Sydney Dike and Chief Theophilus Eke, Rear Admiral Emeraku Ijioma (retd).
In his tribute, Chief Dike (Ebube Agu Ndu Item) went down memory lane, recounting that Prof Irukwu was born in Northern Nigeria, where he started his primary education until his father sent him to Item to complete his primary school, and acquaint himself with the customs and tradition of his ancestors.
Irukwu later travelled to England to study law and was in the same graduating class with Late Dr S.M Ojukwu. He was the first lawyer of Item extraction called to bar at the Nigerian Law School before Dr S.M Ojukwu, his classmate in London.
Dike recounted the celebration and fanfare organised at the Apapa Quay by Item indigenes that trooped out to receive Irukwu home with the popular Ikperikpe Ogu dance.
Also paying tribute was Chief Theophilus Eke, who recounted how Irukwu groomed him in the insurance business, and how he rose to become the managing director of Union Assurance Limited. He stated that Irukwu supported and encouraged him in all he did as President of Item Union Lagos.
For Sir Onwuka Orji, President of Item Development Association (IDA) Worldwide, also recounted his times with Irukwu, who encouraged him as a young banker and as the immediate past president of Item Union Lagos.
Orji said that during the 75th anniversary of Item Union Lagos, Irukwu brought along notable Nigerians like Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe and many others to savour the rich cultural heritage of Item.
In his speech, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe extolled the virtues of Irukwu and regretted that there are only very few of his kind left. He noted that Irukwu showed integrity and uprightness in all he did and enjoined Item people to emulate his lifestyle. He said he has lost a brother in the death of Irukwu.
The Item Union Lagos women’s leader, Mrs Chinyere Dike, said Item Union Women Wing would play their role to give Dee Ogboo a befitting burial.
In his vote of thanks, Ikechukwu Anyim, the President of Item Union, Lagos noted that they had looked forward to tapping from Irukwu’s fountain of knowledge, only for death to snatch him away.
He noted that Irukwu was until his death a patron of Item Union and promised that the union will work with the family to ensure a successful burial.