TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR JOE IRUKWU
A MAN OF THAT PERSONIFIED EXCELLENCE AND SACRIFICE
This has been a very difficult tribute for me to write as I have enjoyed a special relationship with Professor Irukwu. I fondly called him Daddie Mummie (DM), as he has stood in for my parents since they passed away more than 20 years ago. I was also looking forward to celebrating his 90th birthday on 20th July 2023 with him, my cousins, other family and friends. Indeed, he and I spoke happily about his upcoming 90th birthday when I visited Nigeria in April 2023 and spent time with him.
DM is extra special, to me, for many reasons. He gave my Mummie’s hand in marriage to my Daddie, at their wedding in 1959, in England. He has always been my Dede and Dad for as long as I can remember. When Mummie passed in 1995, DM was there for us. When Daddie passed in 2002, DM was also there for us. He has been a great guide for me throughout my career and especially when I served as Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria. Given the complexity of my role as a regulator and the timing - just after the great financial crisis - DM made sure he was there guiding me and enabling me to stand on his huge shoulders, navigating the challenging job of excelling as a public servant in Nigeria. He checked in frequently and became the intermediary between myself and the many people, who could not reach me, but were concerned about my courageous decisions to build a world class capital market for Nigeria. This was instrumental to my success as I leaned on his wisdom and wealth of experience. As was often the case, our conversation lasted for very long and covered everything. In one instance, I arrived Lagos from Abuja, one early Saturday evening and our discussion lasted from when I got to his home at 7pm until 7am the next day. He guided me about the thorny issue I was managing and also shared wisdom, and perspectives that were everything that I needed. Armed with the solutions to the issues I was handling, I returned to Abuja, and successfully implemented the solutions we came up with.
Off course, I am a proud daughter of DM! Who would not be! He was caring, generous, suave, and handsome. He was widely travelled and we shared stories about our experiences traveling the world. We also shared stories about finance and global affairs. We shared a passionate desire for Nigeria to unleash its enormous potential. He also told me phenomenal and funny stories about my Dad and my Mum. It was a privilege to be with him as it was as much a learning opportunity as it was enjoyable. We laughed a lot as he had a great sense of humour. I cannot thank God enough for specially blessing me with DM.
DM is an exemplary teacher and leader worthy of emulation because his mantra was excellence. He was a pioneer in many areas including insurance, international affairs, law and leadership. He excelled at home and abroad. He was a man of integrity, was humble, hardworking and went to extraordinary lengths to distinguish himself and excel in everything that he did. He was an intellectual colossus who authored at least twenty books. He shaped Nigeria’s successes in business and politics in ways I wish many more would do. He remains a role model of distinction because he was compassionate and maintained deep relationships with anyone who encountered him. He was a patriot who cared deeply for Item, for Nigeria and for society at large. He was sacrificial in all the pioneering roles that he served in.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague, and leader. My profound gratitude to Agu, Ikechi, Chizor, Chioma, Ola and Tochi for permitting me, and indeed several others, to share DM. I know you had no choice. Also you exemplify those special attributes that God gave DM abundantly as “the fruit does not fall far from the tree”, Thank you, my beloved brothers and sisters for ensuring that we continue to honour DM’s request that we love each other as dearly as he loved each of us.
DM has a rich legacy as I know like me, many others who have had the good fortune to learn from him, will always seek to be their best self no matter the barriers and challenges. While my heart remains heavy, I am grateful to God for blessing me with DM and for blessing society with an icon and legend who made sure he tirelessly taught us all, what it means to live a great and full life, one of service to humanity and that is worthy of celebration.
May God comfort us all. May DM’s soul rest in perfect peace.
Arunma Oteh OON