Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his sadness over the passing of Professor Joseph Ogbonnaya Irukwu, who served as the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo.

Obasanjo mentioned that he is particularly saddened because Irukwu was unable to witness the completion of their joint project initiative, called ‘The Nigerian Dream.’ The late elder statesman passed away over the weekend at the age of 89, as previously reported by Vistanaij Media.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President conveyed his emotions, emphasizing that the people will greatly miss Irukwu’s contributions to the realization of a new and improved Nigeria.

Despite his sorrow, Obasanjo expressed gratitude to God for the remarkable life Irukwu lived while serving the nation. The former President acknowledged the deceased’s significant and dedicated service to the fatherland.

He recalled that, “Since 2018, Joe and I have been engaged in exchanging words, views and thoughts on a laudable project initiative titled, The Nigerian Dream.” 

According to Obasanjo, the project was to be put in the public domain for national adoption, “with the hope that it would be another strand of our commonality, unity and togetherness.”

Obasanjo said the deceased had always expressed great hope for Nigeria through the initiative, “but unfortunately, he didn’t wait to see our collective rigorous efforts on the project being brought to fruition.” 

He eulogized the former Ohaneze leader, saying he would be remembered for his hard-work, integrity and probity, which he said “contributed to setting the high standards that were the hallmark of those halcyon days that we all yearn to return to our dear nation.”

“I recall during my administration as a democratically-elected President of Nigeria, Joe never rested on his oars in exhibiting uncommon courage and commitment to progressive ideals in his contributions to the political development of our country and national discourse,” Obasanjo said.