THE Apex Igbo social-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has described the death of it former National President, Dr Dozie Ikedife as a loss to the Igbo race and Nigeria as a whole.
The state President general of the organisation, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, said Dr Ikedife died when his ideas is most needed for the oneness and development of Nigeria and that his great works, legacy will continue to speak for him.
The former presidential liaison officer for old Anambra state under President Shehu Shagari died in the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 86.
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The organisation also described his demise as a great loss to the people of Anambra state.
Chief Okeke-Ogene who expressing shock over the death, said Chief Ikedife dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity and will be greatly missed.
“He was a prominent Igbo and Nigerian citizen who dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity. “We the Ohanaeze Igbo will surely miss his great contribution which will continue to speak for him forever.
He lived for the cause of the poor, widows and youths May God be with his family at this period and comfort them,” he stated.
Ikedife was admitted to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, where he passed on in the night hours of Tuesday, December 11, 2018.
Dr Ikedife was a member, Nnewi Royal Cabinet, 1972. Co-founder, first chairman, Confidence Newspapers Ltd., Nnewi, 1995.
He established Dozie Ikedife Annual Medal and Prize for Best Graduating Medical Doctor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, 1995; and Doctor Dozie Ikedife Annual Prize for Best Student in Community Health, University Nigeria, Nsukka, 1988.
He was Fellow, Medical College Ob-Gyn. (Nigeria), West African College Surgeons, Royal College Ob-Gyn., International College Surgeons (President, Nigeria national section 1987-1995, federation secretary 1991-1994, member executive council 1991-1994, world vice president 1994-1996), Learners Society Nigeria (founder).
He was member of Nigerian Medical Association and was the first Nnewi zonal chairman 1972-1976); Society Ob-Gyn. of Nigeria (executive member 1976-1984); International Society Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons (honorary); Rotary Club International (district officer district 9140), Rotary Club of Nnewi (Charter President 1984-1986; One Star Paul Harris Fellow, Vocational Services Award 1997).
He was a Nigerian obstetrician, gynecologist, researcher. He was awarded first Chieftaincy title (Ikuku Ebu Nkpu) by 14 towns in Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ekwusigo local government areas, Anambra State in 1980; and equally awarded Honorary Chieftaincy title (Ikenga Nnewi) by the Igwe, the Royal Cabinet, and the people of Nnewi in 1981.
He was also awarded Honorary Chieftaincy Title of Odezuligbo Umueje in 1997 to mention but few.
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