Obiozor's Death Immeasurable Loss To Nigeria - Buhari Mourns

The President, Mohammadu Buhari has expressed his condolences over the death of George Obiozor, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

George Obiozor, 80, died recently after a brief sickness outside of the country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma confirmed his death.

Mr Buhari described the death of the Ohanaeze leader as an "immeasurable loss to the country" in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, on Thursday.

According to the statement, the president extended his condolences to the deceased family, the government and the people of Imo State as well as Ndigbo —- both at home and abroad.

He said Mr Obiozor “exemplified leadership skills and values as a thoroughbred diplomat” during his time as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States and Israel, High Commissioner at the Republic of Cyrus and the director-general of, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.

“President Buhari 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 believes that all who mourn the death of the statesman, who commanded great respect among his peers in academia and foreign policy, will honour his memory by actively embracing his beliefs and ideas aimed at uniting Nigeria beyond geopolitical considerations," the statement continued.

Mr Buhari said he has "fond memories of meeting Prof. Obiozor on several occasions" and that he values the "endearing sense of patriotism" of the elder statesman.

The president prayed for the soul of the deceased, whom he described as a "great son of Nigeria."