Chekwas, Fayemi pay tributes to Obiozor, describe him as patriot

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past governor of Ekiti State and President of the Forum of the Regions of Africa (FORAF), has mourned the passing of Prof George Obiozor, the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the premier socio-cultural group of the Igbo people, describing his death as a great loss not only to the Igbo people but to all Nigerians.

Fayemi said in a statement
signed by
Mallam Ahmad Sajoh,
Head, the Fayemi Media Office, in Abuja,
“the late Obiozor was a globally respected scholar, diplomat, and peace-builder who contributed immensely to the growth and development of Nigeria, adding that the late leader of the Ndigbo ‘’understood clearly the nuances and complexities of the Nigerian state and worked hard to build a society that was inclusive, equitable and peaceful.’’
Fayemi stated: ‘’My relationship with the Late Professor Obiozor spanned several decades and all through it, he earned my respect as a brilliant man, a man of peace and a decent soul who was invested in building a more equitable, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.
“He was a patriot and nationalist who was welcoming to Nigerians from all parts of the country. Prof Obiozor was the kind of person you would want in your corner. He was loyal and quick to give counsel and mentorship. We have truly lost a great man.
‘’While we mourn his passage, we can be comforted that he led a decent and impactful life and will not be forgotten. I commiserate with his family, the Ndigo, and all Nigerians on the passage of this great statesman.’’
In his own tribute, Chekwas Okorie noted
Obiozor was a strong advocate of a united Nigeria where justice, equity and fairness will reign supreme.
He said “I am greatly saddened by the death of Ambassador Professor George Obiozor, the highly respected President General of Ohanaeze Worldwide. “His death has left a huge void in the leadership of Ohanaeze. “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 Ohanaeze Ndigbo 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 Professor George Obiozor as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. “He will be greatly missed by Nigerias, the Diplomatic Community and Ndigbo in particular. May his noble soul rest in peace”.