President Muhammadu Buhari and vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi, have extended heartfelt condolences to the Ikedife family as well as the government and people of Anambra State on the death of their illustrious son, Dr Dozie Ikedife.
The President also commiserated with Ohanaeze Ndigbo on the passing of the former President-General of the pan-Igbo socio-cultural group.
The President joined them in mourning the veteran obstetrician and gynaecologist who spent over fifty years of his life as a medical practitioner, working bravely to save countless lives in the country and charting new developments in the medical field through research.
As a medical practitioner, respected community leader and political actor, President Buhari believed that Dr Ikedife will be sorely missed and honoured for his commitment to the development of his community, devotion to his professional calling, zeal for democratic values and passion for the preservation of Igbo ethos and tradition.
The President hopes that family, friends, associates and the many doctors trained by the elder statesman find comfort and inspiration in his diligence and generosity of heart of giving his best to humanity.
The President prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him.
Obi, the immediate past governor of Anambra State, described Dr. Ikedife, who died on Tuesday evening, December 11, 2018, at his Nnewi residence in Anambra, as an exemplary leader who effectively used his sterling qualities to advance the cause of the Igbo man and his country.
Obi said Wednesday in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Barrister Valentine Obienyem that “Dr. Ikedife’s invaluable contributions towards the advancement and development of Nnewi, Anambra State, the South East and Nigeria will forever be remembered with fond memories. He wasn’t just the President-General of Ohanaeze. During my time as governor of Anambra State, he was the Chairman of the Elders’ Council that contributed immensely to the successes we recorded in those eight years.
“I consulted him repeatedly and he offered top assistances like a very dedicated father to the glory of dear state. It’s so sad that he is gone.”
Obi lamented that the experience and knowledge of the patriarch will be sorely missed in this critical moment in Nigeria’s history.
Obi mourned with the Ikedife family, Ohanaeze and Nigeria, praying “that God grants the soul of the departed icon an eternal rest as well as provide the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”