The Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Engr Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji earlier today attended the funeral service of Late Sir Professor Joshua Chingozi Ogbonnaya who died at 86years held at St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Umuahia.

In his condolence message, the Speaker described the deceased as an iconic figure who was instrumental to the development and growth of the Ibeku clan.

The Speaker said the deceased made a tremendous impact by making the Ibeku people understand the importance of academics and also contributed to making them politically relevant in the polity.

While giving his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji prayed to God to grant the soul of the late Prof J.C. Ogbonnaya eternal rest and give those he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

On his part, the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji CON described the deceased as a man with a towering positive aura whose landmark contributions to the people of Ibeku will remain indelible.

Senator Orji said Late Sir Ogbonnaya’s philanthropic gestures were unprecedented because through his guidance many Ibeku sons and daughters rose through the ranks in different capacities.

Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu, Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Professor Onyebuchi Azubuike, Traditional Prime Minister of Ibeku Ancient Kingdom, High Chief Uche Akwukwegbu and wife, Clerk of the Abia State House of Assembly, Sir John Pedro Irokansi, Members of Knights of St Christopher, Clergymen, Traditional Rulers, and other dignitaries attended the service.