Obiozor, a man with an uncommon intellect –Ohanaeze

From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Enugu

As President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo, George Obiozor, turns 80 today, the apex socio-political Igbo organisation has described him as a man with an uncommon intellect.

It said Obizor has as its President General displayed irrepressible courage, candor, tolerance, large heart and equanimity, adding that he has sacrificed his personal comfort in the service of Igbo nation.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze stated:  “What stands Obiozor out among his peers is his unique intellectual wizardry, profound sense of humour, extraordinary creative imagination, rationality, clear-headedness, unwavering determination with which he pursues his views, even in most hostile or complex circumstances.”

Obiozor, Ohanaeze further said, had for over five decades shown an unassailable commitment to Igbo cause, stressing, “His eloquent speeches and relentless advocacy for a Nigerian president of the South East extraction has assumed an irreversible, unquenchable and irresistible national charm, resonance and unprecedented crescendo.

“It is worthy of note that when the chronicle of Igbo personages will be launched, some leaders will appear in footnotes while some chapters will be devoted to Ambassador Professor George Obiozor. Ugwumba, please note that Ndigbo all over the world are very proud of you. They are glad that their father-figure has attained the highly coveted eight floor in sound mind; hale, hearty and as fit as a fiddle. It is our prayer that the Almighty God will grant you many more years in robust health to fully harvest the fruit of your selfless service to humanity.”

Further describing Obizor as “an accomplished erudite reflective scholar, renowned author, seasoned diplomat, resourceful administrator, cultural leviathan, political submarine, pathfinder and an Igbo Titan of incredible global reckoning, Ohanaeze thanked God that he pursued his life vision with incandescent passion, prudence, diligence and honour.

“It is a common knowledge that the birth of every child is an epiphany of hope wrapped in a canvass of diverse possibilities. As hard as parents may strive for an upward social mobility of the child, it takes the spark of God to twang the transcendental cord that excites the critical elements in the child for self-awakening.

“Thus while his peers at a very early age floundered, Obiozor pursued his life vision with incandescent passion, prudence, diligence and honour. Armed with a PhD in International Affairs from the Columbia University, USA, Obiozor taught in several foreign universities and attained the enviable rank of a Professor.”