By Daniel Kanu and Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Elder statesmen, politicians, professionals, business giants, academics, activists, friends and well-wishers gathered to eulogise the late President-General, Ohanaeze-Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) in Lagos, yesterday.
The ceremony which was the Service of Songs/Night of tributes kicked off the burial programme for the sage and business mogul who died on Thursday, July 25 after a brief illness at the age of 82.
It was a gathering of creme de la creme of the society that included Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senator Kofo Bucknor Akerele, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Chief Segun Osoba, Prof. Anya O.Anya, Çhíef Isaac Ojo, Justice Faloye, Çhíef Supo Shonibare, Dr. Alexander Okafor, Chief Chike Madueke, Otunba Gani Adams and numerous others.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the late Iwuanyanwu as a champion of unity, a man with boundless energy, who advocated not only for Ndigbo but beyond, as he stood for justice.
He said: “Chief Iwuanyanwu’s life was filled with purpose. He was an extraordinary Nigerian, a man with boundless energy.
“In every role he undertook, he left excellence. A champion of unity and one that advocated not only for Ndigbo but for the good of all groups in the country. “He believed in unity in diversity and left a legacy of integrity, nation-building and compassion.”
For Chief Anyaoku, the late business mogul was a true Nigerian, professional and devoted leader of his people.
He described him as an unquestionable Nigerian, true icon and an astute businessman.
“He was a nationalist of two nations. One previous nation was the nation of Biafra, where we all fought. It belonged to the core of army engineers who were doing the good work.
“I must say that we belonged to that nation then, but now we are Nigerians. Those who tasted the war will never prefer another war. That was why he laboured for the unity of Nigeria.
“Yes, he laboured for it, and we want one Nigeria, one united Nigeria where nobody is oppressed. Why you have agitation now is because people are still being oppressed. People are being marginalised. There is law, the law of the nation is not to be breached, and there is inequity and inequality in the land. That’s why somebody went to London to submit a letter recently.”
The Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Samuel Kalu Uche, extolled the virtues of the late Iwuanyanwu and called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader, IPOB.
He said it would have been the joy of Iwuanyanwu to see Mazi Kanu released while alive. He said Iwuanyanwu laboured for the unity of Nigeria.
“He was a detribalised Nigerian. He desired a Nigeria where no one is oppressed, marginalised or treated unequally. For Nigeria to be united and have peace, release Nnamdi Kanu.”
Senator Ben Obi said he was a man of many parts and source of inspiration who believed in fairness and justice for Nigeria.
For Sam Ohuabunwa, Chief Iwuanyanwu contributions to the nation are vast and varied. “We are celebrating the life and legacy of a true statesman, a man whose dedication to the service of our nation will be remembered for generations to come.”
Are Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Otunba Gani Adams eulogised Chief Iwuanyanwu as a beacon of hope, source of inspiration and guiding light for many.
“Iwuanyanwu was more than just a political leader, business leader, he was a man who believed in Nigeria anchored on equity, justice, fairness and accountability.”
Mr. Emma Agu, former MD, Champion Newspapers said he was an astute businessman and consummate politician,
“We want to say today that Chief Iwuanyanwu considered himself a Nigerian, who believed that this country should be strong and great on truth, justice and fairness on the principles of hard work.”
According to the burial programme, another evening of tributes will be held in Abuja on Friday, October 18.
There will be another day of tributes in Enugu on Saturday, October 26, and a service of songs in his country home, Umuohii Atta, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, on October 29.
Iwuanyanwu’s burial is on November 1 in his country home.
Until his death, Chief Iwuanyanwu was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.
He is survived by his Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu (widow), many children and grandchildren including Dr. (Mrs.) Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, managing director, Champion Group of Newspapers.