George Obiozor: Profile of a Fallen Iroko
Professor George Obiozor 15 August, 1942 – 28 December, 2022
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor George Achulike Obiozor passed on to eternity on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. He was born 15 August, 1942 in Awo-Omamma, Oru East local government area of Imo State, Nigeria. He was a towering intellectual and diplomat. In the realm of academic, he carved a niche for himself in the discipline of International Relations and diplomacy.
After his elementary studies, George Obiozor had his secondary education at Awo-Omamma Comprehensive Secondary School from 1959 to 1963. He proceeded to the Institute of African Studies, Geneva Switzerland and obtained a Higher Diploma in 1967.
He attended the University of South Tacoma Washington, USA where he bagged a B.A.(Hons) Political Science in 1968. From there he went to Columbia University New York where he obtained an M.A. in International Law and Organisation. He secured an M. Phil in International Affairs in 1974, and finally a Doctorate in International Relations in 1976.
While in the academia, Prof Obiozor worked as a lecturer at the Pratt Institute, New York City, from 1971—1975, Assistant professor political science City University of New York ,Medgar Evers College, 1975—1979 and Ralph Bunche Research Fellow in United Nations City University of New York Graduate Center, 1977—1978.
He served as the Chairman at AiQ Capital Management Limited and was the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to United States of America from 2004 to 2008. Prior to this, he was the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the State of Israel, and High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus between 1999-2003.
From 1964 to 2003, Prof. Obiozor held many important positions in Nigerian government and academia including Senior Research Fellow at Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and Director-General of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (1991-1999). Prof. Obiozor has written many books and articles on Nigeria’s foreign policy, international affairs, and diplomatic politicking. His vast experience and profound knowledge in diplomacy has become a great asset in rebuilding Nigerian image and the relationship with America.
Obiozor was married and is survived by children.
Obiozor was a recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). He also held the title of Ugwumba 1 of Orlu in 1991, grantee Albert Schweitzer fellowship from 1969 to 1971, and Alice Stetten fellowship, Columbia University School International Affairs, 1969-1971.
He was elected as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo on Sunday 9 January, 2021. Ohanaeze is a socio-cultural group was formed to cater for the interest and welfare of the Igbo nation from Nigeria.
Imo State Governor, Mr Hope Uzodinma announced George Obiozor’s transition on December 28, 2022.
