The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has mourned the passing of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Soludo, who described the deceased as a “distinguished statesman, notable patriot, renowned businessman”, expressed profound sadness on the passage of the elder statesman, describing it as a monumental loss, not only to his immediate family and the Igbo nation but to Nigeria as a whole.
The governor’s message was contained in a press statement issued by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime on Thursday.
The statement read, “Soludo expressed profound sadness on the passage of the elder statesman, describing it as a monumental loss not only to his immediate family and the Igbo nation but to Nigeria as a whole.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was a personal mentor, a great supporter as well as an influential figure whose life and wise counsel were a tribute to exceptional leadership, patriotism, and steadfast dedication to the progress of the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a Country.
“His contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria are immeasurable. As the publisher of the Champion Newspapers and owner of several other businesses, his entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic endeavours have left an enduring legacy in our nation.”
Soludo also recalled and praised the significant contributions of Iwuanyanwu as Chairman, Planning Committee of Ohanaeze, a strategic position Soludo also occupied in the past in Ohanaeze
“Also, as the 11th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, he provided exemplary leadership, fostering unity, and championing the interests of Ndigbo even while building bridges of peace across Nigeria.
“Soludo, therefore, extends his deep condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and associates of Chief Iwuanyanwu, Ndigbo and the nation, praying that his soul rest in peace as God grants the family the fortitude to bear this great loss,” the statement added.