Okpotuche Club, Lagos mourns stalwart, Jimmy Adams Igbongi

Lagos-based social and apolitical club, Okpotuche, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of its former Chairman, Mr. Jimmy Adams Igbongi, who died on July 25, 2024, at the age of 74.

In a statement by the club’s current Chairman, Godwin Onyeke, Mr. Igbongi was described as a visionary leader who was instrumental in executing numerous club initiatives.

The club recalled that his leadership was particularly felt during Okpotuche’s flagship Entrepreneurship Program in April 2019, which provided training for 100 Idoma youths in Otukpo.

Mr. Igbongi also made financial contributions to ensure practical training for the participants, many of whom have gone on to establish thriving businesses.

The statement further lauded his pivotal role in initiating and completing the Orphanage Building Project in Otukpo during his tenure as Chairman from 2007 to 2010.

He would be laid to rest on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at his residence, in Otukpo.

Full text of the statement below.

CELEBRATING THE LEGENDARY JIMMY ADAMS IGBONGI 

As we step up preparation to bid a final farewell to our iconic leader and former Chairman of Okptuche Club Lagos and CEO of Leach Hotel, Otukpo, Late Mr Jimmy Adams Igbongi who passed on to glory on Thursday July 25th, 2024. His life and times here with us were symbolic, impactful and purpose driven.

Mr Igbongi was a visionary leader who devoted his time, energy and resources towards the achievement of the Club’s objective of ‘Improving the lots of Idoma Nation’ among many other lofty goals.

Having served the Club selflessly as a committed member, he led the initiation of the Club’s Orphanage Building Project in Otukpo, Benue state during his tenor as Chairman of the Club between 2007 and 2010.  It was not a mere coincidence that Jimmy also led the completion and commissioning of the project as Chairman of the Orphanage Building Committee in 2021. 

Mr. Igbongi could not hide his joy as he expressed his excitement during the handover ceremony in Otukpo as the proprietress of the Children of Mary Orphanage Home – Mama Rosemary Oganyi  narrated how the building has become a solution to the housing needs of the homeless kids. 

Speaking to the media, he made further commitment on how he would leverage the platform provided by Okpotoche to see to the needs of the most vulnerable kids. He might not be alive to personally honor this commitment but we are confident that good men and women of Idoma extraction who has learnt from Jimmy’s exemplary life would continue to advance his legacy of love and commitment to the transformation of Idoma land.   

Jimmy was instrumental to the execution of many other initiatives as he played host to the Club’s delegation during Okpotuche’s flagship Entrepreneurship Program that saw to the training of about 100 Idoma youths in April 2019 at Otukpo while making financial contribution towards the subsequent secondment of the beneficiaries for hands-on practical training, many of whom have gone on to established & thriving in their chosen business and craft. 

He holds a degree in Business Administration from Kaduna Polytechnic as well as Masters degree in Transport Studies from Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye. As a dedicated public servant, Jimmy rose through the rank to become a Tarrif and Billing Manager of the Nigerian Port Authority where he successful retired.

While his demise has left a void not only in the hearts of the Club’s members but also in the entire Idoma communities, Benue state and Nigeria as a whole, we take solace in the knowledge that he died a fulfilled man, having touched many lives positively. 

The following funeral activities have been lined up as we celebrate the life and times of this legendary Idoma son while praying the Almighty God to continue to comfort us and most especially his immediate family as He grant his soul, a peaceful rest.

1. Service of songs  – Tuesday  September 10th by 5pm at 20, Claude Ake Street, First Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja.

• Wake Keep – Thursday September 12th 2024 by 6pm  at his residence, 14, Agbo Ogah Avenue, GRA Otukpo 
• Funeral Service – Friday September 13th 2024 by 9:am RCCG Heaven’s Gate Parish, Otukpo while interment follows immediately at his country home, Okpaflo, Adoka Otukpo, Benue State

Adiu Jimmy!

Godwin Onyeke

Chairman, Okpotuche Club, Lagos

www.okpotucheclub.org.ng