By TINA TIMOTHY

Cultural Credibility Development Initiative (CCDI) has commiserated with the family of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, late Professor George Obiozor, Imo State Government, Executives of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and Ndigbo at large over the exit of a legend, adding that “he gave his best of services to Ndigbo and Nigeria in general.”

CCDI, in a press statement on December 29, 2022 signed by its Secretary Steve Nwabuko and President Ide Goddy Uwazurike, described Obiozor as “a great Teacher whose ideas resonated in most academic halls for brainstorming and analysis”, and whose global recognition and excellence grew as a result of his hard work.

Part of the statement reads: “Upon confirmation by the Imo State public announcement of the passage of the incumbent President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof George Obiozor, the Board of Trustees and members of Cultural Credibility Development Initiative, do express our heartfelt condolences to the family, Imo State Government, Executive of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and Ndigbo at large over this irreparable loss of a dear gentleman, father and grandfather.

“Prof George Obiozor grew to global stature of eminence by dint of hard work, diligent study, meritorious career path pursuit in his chosen field of excellence in Politics, Diplomacy and Government.

“Prof George Obiozor was a great Teacher whose ideas resonated in most academic halls for brainstorming and analysis.”

The group further acknowledged Obiozor’s achievements while serving in several political appointments as Director General of Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Foreign missions in Cyprus, Israel and the United States of America as Nigeria Ambassador and offered to serve his people through Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide where he became the President General in January, 2020.

“His savvy in knowledge rendition elevated him to the position of Director General of Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (N.I.I.A) where he became an essential source material for broadening the depth and scope of Nigeria’s foreign policy initiatives.

“Prof George Obiozor’s achievements in N.I.I.A caught the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria in drafting him as a non-career Diplomat into Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.

“With his rich background of academic dossiers and practical diplomatic panache, Prof George Obiozor was deployed to serve in Nigeria’s top notch Foreign missions in Cyprus, Israel and the United States of America as Nigeria Ambassador.

“Prof George Obiozor put in over fifty years in teaching, researching, planning, unveiling and practising the arts of Social order, good governance, diplomatic communication, nation building and international peace and conflict resolution.

“After retirement from Public service, he offered to serve his people through Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide as he became the President General in January, 2020 and at a time Igbo is challenged with insecurity, neglect, marginalisation and fierce agitation for inclusion in the national leadership equation,” the group stated.

Describing Obiozor as “Igbo strategic thinker, team player, and master of alliance with other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria”, CCDI lamented that Ndigbo will miss his leadership excellence, team building capacity, futuristic adaptation of facts, and apt interpretation of core values for renaissance in a complex and diverse society.

“It is in course of serving his people that he got overwhelmed with stress which accompanies aging and more work.

“Prof George Obiozor gave his best of services to Ndigbo and Nigeria in general.

“Prof George Obiozor will be dearly missed by the Board of Trustees and members of Cultural Credibility Development Initiative (C.C.D.I) that he loved and respected to the point of appointing the President of C.C.D.I, Barr, Ide Goddy Uwazurike, as a substantive member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Legal Advisory Team.

“Ndigbo will miss Pa Prof George Obiozor’s leadership excellence, team building capacity, futuristic adaptation of facts, and apt interpretation of core values for renaissance in a complex and diverse society.

“Igbo strategic thinker, team player, and Master of alliance with other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria has exited this world.

“Prof George Obiozor will be remembered in his notable quote: ‘Igbo cannot speak with one voice. By the way, what is one voice? It is when you hear from several voices that you can form cogent opinion’.

“Adieu Prof George Obiozor.

“Adieu Nwafor Igbo proper.

“Adieu Nnukwu Nna Ndigbo Worldwide.

“Rest in Perfect Peace, Prof George Obiozor,” the group added.