By Cosmas Omegoh (Lagos) Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State Governor Alex Otti, former governor of the state, Senator Theodore Orji and Senator Nkechi Nwaogu have mourned the demise of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Governor Otti in a statement said he received the death of Iwuanyanwu with shock and heavy heart.
The governor described the death of the leader of Ndigbo Worldwide as a great loss to the Igbo nation and the entire country.
He said Chief Iwuanyanwu was a great patriot, lover of his people, a successful leader and an outstanding professional, businessman and leader.
In the same vein, a former governor of the state, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, expressed sadness over the demise of Iwuanyanwu.
In the statement he personally signed and which was released by his Liaison Officer, Hon. Ifeanyi Umere, Sen. Orji, recalling the remarkable contributions of Iwuanyanwu in the political development of Nigeria, said he was heartbroken over his death.
“I feel for the family, the state, Ndigbo and Nigeria at large” Orji said.
In her condolence message, the former senator representing Abia Central at the Senate, Chief (Mrs) Nwaogu, described Iwuanyanwu’s death as irreparable.
“As the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, he drove the Igbo course with vigor and valour.
She said Iwuanyawu’s memories would remain evergreen in the hearts of Ndigbo and Nigeria in general.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu maintained a positive trajectory and impacted meaningfully in every field he ventured into,” the Senator said in a statement.
The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, (APC) Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje expressed sadness over the death of Iwuanyanwu.
In a condolence message by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Chief Oliver Okpala, the APC national chairman expressed shock over the passage of Chief Iwuanyanwu, describing it as a huge loss not only to his
His words: “Chief Iwuanyanwu was an influential figure with exceptional leadership qualities, uncanny patriotic spirit and an undying dedication to the good of the Igbo nation and all Nigerians”
“His impact on the socio-political and economic landscape of Nigeria are unquantifiable”
“He belonged to the great league of the likes of late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief MKO Abiola as he founded the Champion Newspapers and was owner of several other businesses, entrepreneurial outfits, and philanthropic endeavours”
“As the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, he was an exemplary leader on all fronts, both about Igbo interest and Nigeria’s wellbeing”
“I pray that Almighty Allah grants the family the fortitude to bear this huge loss”
“Iwuanyanwu was a nationalist in and out”
“Even as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo he was not an ethnic leader. He exuded national love and unity till the very last minutes of his life”
“His hands of friendship were always outstretched, he was a visionary and a believer in the Nigerian dream.”
Chairman and Chief Executive, United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, in a condolence statement made available to Sunday Sun said: “The passage of Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, has shattered the very fabric of our society, leaving an irreparable chasm that can never be filled.
“Late Chief Iwuanyanwu was not just a philanthropist, he was a colossus of unimpeachable integrity, a titan of unwavering courage, and a beacon of hope for the downtrodden. He touched and changed the lives of several people across the length and breath of Nigeria.
“His passing is a catastrophic loss to Ndigbo and Nigeria in general. It has plunged our nation into an abyss of sorrow. His selfless devotion to the advancement of humanity, his unrelenting pursuit of justice, and his unwavering commitment to the empowerment of the marginalized have been brutally silenced, leaving us with a sense of desolate hopelessness.
“I mourn not only the loss of a legendary leader but also the extinction of a rare breed of patriot who embodied the very essence of selflessness, compassion, and wisdom.
It was a great pleasure and learning opportunity, working for Ohaneze Ndigbo with Chief Iwuanyanwu, whom I enjoyed a fatherly relationship with.
“I drank from his deep cup of wisdom, leadership vision, and goals for Ohaneze as well as share in his dream for our dear country, Nigeria.”
Cultural Credibility Development Initiative (CCDI) has expressed surprise at the death of late Ohaneze Ndigbo President General, Chief Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, describing his exit as a “rude shock.”
Chief Iwuanwanyu who was born in 1942, passed on last week Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 82.
In a condolence message signed by the duo of Ide Goddy Uwazurike, President and Steve Nwabuko, Secretary, the group noted that Ndigbo Worldwide had lost a great man.
While recalling some of Iwuanyanwu’s signature outfits, the group lamented: “Nnanyi-Ukwu, Hadel and Enic Construction Company Limited is gone to be with the Lord. Nnanyi-Ukwu Champion Newspapers Limited is gone to be with the Lord. Nnanyi-Ukwu Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has gone to be with the Lord.”
It extolled the deceased’s virtues, describing him as: “A perfect bridge builder you were, both politically, socially, economically, spiritually and otherwise.
“Your very gentle demeanor, savvy and sagacity attracted less criticism to your tenure as Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General.”
The group questioned death in the language of a popular song “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
It urged Chief Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu to rest in peace saying: “Adieu Ahaejiejemba Ndigbo. Adieu corporate titan. Adieu astute politician. Adieu worthy Igbo leader of note.”
Then it added: “You bestrode Nigeria like a colossus; you worked very hard to unite Umuigbo of all cleavages, language and dialect together under one conglomerate: Alaigbo.
“You commanded the respect of all the five South East governors on personal stature, erudition, experience, clout, recognition and pedigree.
“No door could be shut at your appearance in any state or institution in Nigeria. You knew God and he showed you great mercies and the clergy knew you and extended hands of ecumenical and non-denominational saintly fellowship and communion to you.
“You stood strong at the traditional turf and kings knew you were Primus inter Pares (First among equals) in adulation, genuflection and grandeur.
You were a Major in the Biafran Army and saw action in the Biafra Army Engineers (BAE).
You were a father, grandfather, and great grandfather of us all,” adding: “You made many great friends and left no enemies on transit but death.”
CCDI said the late Iwuanyanwu would be remembered with nostalgia for his desire and effort to draft a new constitution for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide which is still work-in-progress before he bid the world farewell.
It expressed hope that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo executive team he left behind would complete and present that brand new “Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Ohanaeze constitution to Ndigbo.”
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Emmanuel Ibok Essien, said it was greatly pained by the demise of Iwuanyanwu, saying, “we have not just lost an exemplary leader, but a true patriot, and a highly esteemed statesman.”
The group noted that Iwuanyanwu, in his capacity as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, was unwaveringly dedicated to “our collective principles of equity, justice, fairness, and inclusivity in the pursuit of a better Nigeria. He was a man of peace who will be remembered for his resourcefulness, civility, and forthrightness” the statement said.
PANDEF noted that Iwuanyanwu was a consummate entrepreneur, industrialist, politician, publisher, philanthropist, and community leader, saying “His tireless and lifelong contributions to the advancement of Ndigbo and the Nigerian nation, over the years, are immeasurable. He excelled in various domains, spearheading numerous initiatives in sports development, communications, production, and human capital enhancement.”
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