By Jimoh Bashir

We cannot but express grief after the passing unto the great beyond of any personality. But at the end of it all, we will, and must still be grateful to the Almighty God for His mercies.

Death, it has been decreed, shall be the end of every living soul. But how it will end, where it will end, when it will end what will end it will be determined by many factors that is beyond human comprehension.

Late Igiri, no matter how it ended, left an indelible imprint on the sand of life, with his passion, which normally comes from his inner mind; His sacrifice, which was legendary; His dedication, which was absolute; His loyalty, which was extra-ordinary, and above all, his love for the game of football.

He, at a point, served as the Chairman of Igbo cultural football entity, Igbo Traders Football Association (ITFA), and under his stewardship, the body broke new grounds, ensured continuous togetherness and unity among the various Igbo Communities in the state, that between it and the host Community.

A great bridge builder, disciplinarian, strict administrator and a trustworthy personify of repute.

Beyond football, late Igiri was also well known as a motor and other mechanical parts businessman, and his services were noticeable, especially among sportsmen and women.

Late Igiri rose into consciousness in the mechanical parts business, after learning the trade at Agaka.

But his passion for the round leather game made him contest and won election to become the Chairman ITFA.
He later join Bukola Babes Football Club as the Personal Assistant to the then General Manager, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, the Nwachigoziri 1.

He was later the Welfare Officer of Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club, and his services to the club were beyond just been the Welfare Officer. His notable linkages among the various components in the club made him a sort-after by all. He held the key to every section, including, but not limited to technical matters.

Some months ago, he fell ill, and the football fraternity were waiting and hoping for him to bounce back, but unfortunately, he didn’t.

Late Igiri passed away after battling a prolonged illness. This is no doubt, not a good way to end it…with illness, and at just 52 years, at a time he is needed most. But, just like it’s always is, we will continue to thank God, irrespective of how it ended.

Late Igiri hailed from Ebonyi state. He was a devouted Catholic, and is survived by wife and three children.

We will miss you brother.

But we have no choice than to pray for the repose of your soul, and to pray Almighty God to grant your family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Rest in peace, Nze Joseph Igiri, the Man of the People.