Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at the Heroes Square, Owerri yesterday where they paid tribute to the late Igbo leader, Ikemba Odimegwu Ojukwu whose body was flown into the State from Abuja after being honoured with a full military burial by the federal government of Nigerian same day.
In a speech at the ceremony, the governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said that Chief Odimegwu Ojukwu was a courageous leader who fought for justice. He called on the National Assembly to create an additional State for the South-East geo-political zone as a way of immortalizing the name of the late hero, adding that the Igbos believe in the unity of the nation and as such, have over the years shed their blood for the unity of Nigeria.
He thanked the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for honouring the late elder Statesman with a State burial similar to what befits a late General and appealed to Nigerians to always sustain the legacy of Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu and to remember the family in their prayers always.
In his tribute, the Imo State deputy governor, Sir Jude Agbaso remarked that the late Ojukwu gave the Igbos hope and pride that made them to rise in defence when their lives were threatened.
The Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Ben Uwajimogu in a brief tribute, said that the late Ojukwu was a great man among the people of Igbo ethnic group, hence, the Imo State House of Assembly had unanimously awarded a Posthumous Merit award to the late hero.
Highlight of the event was a match pass parade by the military band, 21-gun salutes and fire-works displays.
Also present at the ceremony were the National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance , Chief Victor Umeh, former member of the House of Assembly in the old Eastern Region, Chief Arthur Eze, Her Excellency, the wife of the Imo State governor, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha and a host of others.
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