Today, we gather here to pay our respects and bid farewell to a remarkable individual, Professor Joe Ogbonnaya Irukwu, our own very dear, Dee Ogbo, as most of us fondly called him.
He was a pioneer and doyen of the Nigerian insurance industry, who left an indelible mark on the sector and the lives of countless individuals. Moreover, his contributions extended beyond the insurance industry, as he championed the cause of Ndigbo, Nigerians, and played a significant role in the economic and socio-cultural fabric of Nigeria.
On behalf of my family, and the Abia League of Professionals Initiative (ALPI), it is incumbent upon me, to highlight and reflect on a few of his achievements and honour his memory. Because if I decide to catalogue all his accomplishments and contributions to the insurance and financial services industry of Africa, I may just end up writing a book on this great man.
Professor Joe Ogbonnaya Irukwu was a man of many firsts in the Nigerian insurance industry. From his tenure as the Chairman of the Nigerian Students Loans Boards in the 1970s to his role as the CEO of Nigeria-Reinsurance company, he consistently demonstrated his expertise and dedication. His efforts in building a solid foundation for the Nigerian insurance sector earned him the well-deserved title of “Mr Insurance.” Additionally, he was a founding elder and Adviser of the Abia League of Professionals Initiative (ALPI), a nonpartisan group committed to good governance in Abia state.
Dee Ogbo, in his lifetime, meant so many things to different people. It would therefore be a daunting task for me to properly capture all that he was to us all. So, permit me, therefore to highlight just a few of his achievements for humanity.
Pioneer and Innovator:
Professor Irukwu’s contributions to the Nigerian insurance industry were unparalleled and cannot be overemphasized.
As the CEO of Nigeria-Reinsurance company, he introduced innovative policies and strategies that revolutionized the sector. He employed the qualified and the best in the sector. His visionary leadership paved the way for the growth and development of the industry, setting new standards for excellence.
Champion of Ndigbo and Nigerians:
As the president general of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and many Advisory Committees of subsequent governments in the country, Professor Irukwu tirelessly advocated for the rights and welfare of the Ndigbo, Nigerians, and the development of the entire country, where the rule of law was paramount in his entire life. He believed in the importance of unity, diversity and inclusivity, driving a sublime Igbo agenda with a pan-Nigeria perspective. His efforts aimed to ensure that the Igbo people were recognized and valued within the wider schemes of Nigeria’s unity and development.
Role in Good Governance:
Professor Irukwu’s involvement in the Abia League of Professionals Initiative (ALPI), formed in 2020, showcased his commitment to good governance. ALPI, under his guidance, played a pivotal role in the emergence of Alex Otti’s government in Abia State. Through their nonpartisan approach and dedication to the betterment of the state, ALPI contributed to the establishment of a credible administration, so far in the state. Before that, Professor Irukwu played crucial roles at the National and continental levels.
In conclusion, Professor Joe Ogbonnaya Irukwu’s legacy as a pioneer and doyen of the Nigerian insurance industry will forever be remembered. His contributions to the sector, as well as his advocacy for the Igbo people and commitment to good governance, and the rule of law in the country, have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s socio-cultural landscape. As we bid farewell to this remarkable individual, let us honour his memory by continuing to build upon the foundations he laid and strive for excellence in our respective fields.
Having given his life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, I can boldly say: that, we have not lost him, because we know where he is. We know where he is, because, we know how he lived. We know that he is now caught up with Jesus Christ. He gave his life to Jesus Christ while he was still on this side of eternity.
We love you more, but Jesus loves you best. Good night Dee Ogbo and take thy rest. May his soul rest in eternal peace, until the resurrection morning.
Sonny Iroche is the Director-General and the Leader of the Abia League of Professionals Initiative.