FIC Report (Abia State) – It was the gathering of who is who in the society as the remains of the late PDP Gubernatorial candidate, renowned Optometrist and former Rector Abia State Polytechnic, Aba and immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Abia State University, Professor Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne was laid to rest in his Agburuke Nsulu, Isialangwa North LGA Country Home.
Speaking at the funeral service conducted by the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Isiala Ngwa at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Agburuke Nsulu, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu noted that the death of Professor Uche Ikonne a courageous administrator,an erudite scholar, and an accomplished Professor of Optometry points to the fact that life is ephemeral and God is in absolute control of the affairs of men on earth.
Governor Ikpeazu also noted that the late Professor Ikonne had enviable records in academics, politics and administration and also noted that while alive the deceased equally made remarkable contributions to the growth of the church.
He used the forum to condole the bereaved family and expressed hope in the ability of his offsprings to continue from where their late father stopped.
In their separate speeches, the Immediate past Governor of the State and Senator Representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator T. A. Orji and the State PDP Chairman, Rt Hon. Asiforo Okere while eulogizing the sterling qualities of the late Prof Ikonne said his demise marked the saddest day in the history of the party, the Academic Community where he served in various capacities as well as the medical profession and Abia state in general adding that he would be remembered for his good works.
They therefore urged the Ikonne family especially his wife and Solicitor General of the State, Lady Uzoamaka Ikonne to be consoled by the outstanding legacies and testimonies of the good deeds he left behind.
In a sermon, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria all Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukauba represented by the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Aba and Bishop of Isialangwa South , the Most Rev Dr. Isaac Nwaobia, thanked God for the life and times of Professor Uche Ikonne whom he said served God and contributed enormously to the service of humanity and died at a time he volunteered to serve the state at a higher level.
He advised Christians to create time for God as well as number their days in recognition that no one would escape death as everyone must answer the clarion call at God’s appointed time.
In a tribute, the chief mourner and first son of the deceased, Dr. Chike Uche-Ikonne while highlighting the numerous achievements of his father, said as a career academic, consummate tertiary education administrator for over three decades and an icon of the Optometry profession among others, lived a life of service to God and humanity.
He noted that his father’s love and desire to serve his people and humanity at large, motivated his venture into partisan politics where he was elected the PDP flag bearer for the 2023 Governorship election and regretted that the cold hands of death snatched him when his services were needed most.
Dr Ikonne however expressed gratitude to God that his father lived well and left lasting legacies, adding that his footprints are firmly stamped on the sands of time and would be fondly missed.
Dignitaries who attended the funeral service included the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Sir Oko Chukwu, former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, former and serving Federal and State legislators, Secretary to Government, Barrister Chris Ezem, Serving and former Members of State Executive Council, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barrister Emeka Enwereji, PDP Governorship Candidate in the 2023 elections, Chief Okey Ahiwe, Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Eze Sir Nwabeke and members of the Council, Pro Chancellor, Chief Mba Ukariwo and members of the Abia State University Governing Council, Vice Chancellor of ABSU, Professor Onyemaechi Ogbulu and management of the Abia State University, members of the political class, members of the Optometry Profession, Knights and Ladies of the Anglican Communion, Old Boys of Ngwa High School, members of the Ikonne family, etc.
In their separate speeches, the Immediate past Governor of the State and Senator Representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator T. A. Orji and the State PDP Chairman, Rt Hon. Asiforo Okere while eulogizing the sterling qualities of the late Prof Ikonne said his demise marked the saddest day in the history of the party, the Academic Community where he served in various capacities as well as the medical profession and Abia state in general adding that he would be remembered for his good works.
They therefore urged the Ikonne family especially his wife and Solicitor General of the State, Lady Uzoamaka Ikonne to be consoled by the outstanding legacies and testimonies of the good deeds he left behind.
In a sermon, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria all Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukauba represented by the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Aba and Bishop of Isialangwa South , the Most Rev Dr. Isaac Nwaobia ,thanked God for the life and times of Professor Uche Ikonne whom he said served God and contributed enormously to the service of humanity and died at a time he volunteered to serve the state at a higher level.
He advised Christians to create time for God as well as number their days in recognition that no one would escape death as everyone must answer the clarion call at God’s appointed time.
In a tribute, the chief mourner and first son of the deceased, Dr. Chike Uche-Ikonne while highlighting the numerous achievements of his father, said as a career academic, consummate tertiary education administrator for over three decades and an icon of the Optometry profession among others, lived a life of service to God and humanity.
He noted that his father’s love and desire to serve his people and humanity at large, motivated his venture into partisan politics where he was elected the PDP flag bearer for the 2023 Governorship election and regretted that the cold hands of death snatched him when his services were needed most.
Dr Ikonne however expressed gratitude to God that his father lived well and left lasting legacies, adding that his footprints are firmly stamped on the sands of time and would be fondly missed.
Dignitaries who attended the funeral service included the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Sir Oko Chukwu, former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, former and serving Federal and State legislators, Secretary to Government, Barrister Chris Ezem, Serving and former Members of State Executive Council, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barrister Emeka Enwereji, PDP Governorship Candidate in the 2023 elections, Chief Okey Ahiwe, Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Eze Sir Nwabeke and members of the Council, Pro Chancellor, Chief Mba Ukariwo and members of the Abia State University Governing Council, Vice Chancellor of ABSU, Professor Onyemaechi Ogbulu and management of the Abia State University, members of the political class, members of the Optometry Profession, Knights and Ladies of the Anglican Communion, Old Boys of Ngwa High School, members of the Ikonne family, etc.
