23/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Shettima, Atiku, Obi, Kalu, Onyejeocha, others, bid Pa Ukachukwu Ifoh farewell at 91
Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubarkar, Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Party, NDC, Peter Obi, Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Ben Kalu and immediate past minister of Labour and Employment Nkiruka Onyejeocha were among the top political leaders who consoled with the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh as he laid to rest on Friday his father, Late Pa Lawrence Ukachukwu Ifoh.
The late patriarch of the Ifohs, a business man, prominent community leader and faithful Christian was laid to rest in Mbala Isuochi in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia state. He was aged 91 years.
Vice President Shetima in his condolence message eschewed the virtues of the late patriarch whom he said exemplified godly virtues, which form part of the legacy he bequeathed to his children.
"His business ventures recorded remarkable success due to his acumen, diligence, honesty, and forthrightness in all his dealings. Our nation needs the entrenchment and sustenance of peace and stability as the life of Pa Ukachukwu mirrors what we can achieve if we love one another and become our brother's keeper."
Former Vice President Atiku Abubarkar said that Pa Ifoh lived a life of quiet strength and enduring faith and for 91 years, he was a beacon of love, discipline and wisdom to all who knew him.
"He nurtured generations with selfless devotion and left behind a legacy of integrity, hard work and compassion. To the Ifoh family: I mourn with you, but I also celebrate with you. Your father lived well, loved deeply and has gone to rest in eternal peace."
Mr. Peter Obi in his condolence message prayed that God "who called him home grant him eternal rest in His kingdom; and grant you, and your family the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss."
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu in his condolence message said that "The true measure of a man's life is not merely in the number of years he lived, but in the values he imparted, the lives he touched, and the legacy he left behind. From the tributes and celebration of his life, it is evident that your late father was a man whose influence reached beyond his immediate family and whose memory will continue to be cherished by all who knew him."
The former Deputy Whip of the Federal House of Representatives and immediate past Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha (Adaejiagamba) who personally graced the occasion noted that the exit of Pa Lawrence, no doubt, lives such an unwieldy vacuum not only to Ifoh’s family, but also to the church and Umuobasi Autonomous Community at large.
"Indeed, the death of a loved one is a painful and an irreparable loss; however, the abiding tenets of our Christian faith give us the assurance that our departed ones are resting blissfully in the bossom of the Lord. Your father lived in such a way that he impacted greatly on every one with whom he came in contact with during his life time."
The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure was represented at the occasion by the party's governorship candidate in Abia state, Chief Ceekay Igara who came with a large contingents of Party faithfuls.
While paying his tribute, Chief Igara described Pa Ifoh as a man of enduring impact, wisdom and community service. He said his presence at the ceremony reflected his belief that leadership goes beyond political activities and require standing with the people during both moments of celebration and grief. He said, "Leadership is about being with the people in good times and in difficult times."
In his homily, Venerable Stanley Anyanwu, of the St. Michaels Anglican Church witnessed the life of service, humility and love of God lived by Pa Ifoh as an emulation of life Christ lived while on earth. He said he was touched by the level of dedication to the work of God which Papa even at a very ripe age typified.
"What will you be remembered for when you must have transited. Just like Christ 2000 years after death, what will people say about your life on earth when you are no more. The legacy you live behind must be most fitting testament of what you were."
The event brought together political leaders, friends and associates of the Labour Party spokesperson and his family to honour the memory of their late father and to celebrate his legacies, virtues and contributions to the society.
Sign:
Obiora Ifoh
For the family.
23/08/2026