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By Oluseye Ojo, Lukman Olabiyi, Stanley Uzoaru, Jude Chinedu, Emmanuel Adeyemi, George Onyejiuwa, and Idu Jude Abuja
Serving and former governors, ethnic nationalities, and notable individuals are among eminent personalities and groups that paid fresh glowing tributes to the memory of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who died on Thursday, this week.
They include Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo and Alex Otti of Abia, as well as the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate during the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi.
Uzodimma, in a statement on Friday, noted: “Chief Iwuanyanwu was not only an eminent philanthropist and leader but also a true nationalist whose contributions transcended ethnic boundaries. His tireless efforts towards national unity and peace were instrumental in ensuring that the government’s efforts in the restoration of peace materialized.
“He was a guiding light in turbulent times, providing wisdom and expertise that were indispensable. His dedication to the betterment of society and unwavering commitment to the Igbo cause has made Ndi Imo and the entire Igbo community immensely proud.
Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described his death as a colossal loss to Nigeria, particularly the Igbo nation and the media industry. He consoled the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) and Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, the bereaved family, and the entire people of Imo State over the death of their illustrious son.
Governor Otti, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha, in Umuahia on Friday, described Iwuanyanwu’s death as “a great loss to Ndigbo, and the nation at large,” as well as a great patriot, lover of his people, a successful leader and an outstanding professional, businessman, and a leader.
In his tribute, Peter Obi wrote on his X handle on Friday: “The devastating reports of his death have left all who knew him heartbroken. He was not just a father to many, but a bridge builder who remained committed to the peaceful coexistence of the nation. I sincerely condole with his immediate family, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the entire nation over the death of this revered patriarch.”
The Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) also joined in mourning the demise of Iwuanyanwu. The body in a condolence letter endorsed by its president, Kabiru Yusuf, and addressed to Dr. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, the Group Managing Director, Champion Newspapers, stated that the Ahaejiagmba Ndigbo, who breathed his last at 82, was an esteemed member of the association.
“His venture into the newspaper business with the emergence of Champion Newspapers on October 1, 1988, changed the dynamics of newspapering in the country,” the body stated.
National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, in a condolence message by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Chief Oliver Okpala, said: “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.”
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The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said in a press statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, that its National Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, sent his heartfelt sympathy to the family of Chief Iwuanyanwu, the people of Imo State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and associates of the deceased.
Former Secretary to Imo State Government (SSG), Chris Okewulonu, in a statement issued by Special Assistant on Media, Gift Ikem Nwokoro, said the sudden death of Iwuanyanwu came to him as a rude shock, adding that he would be forever remembered for his outstanding and overwhelming contributions towards ensuring peace and development across the entire Igboland and Nigeria.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, in his condolence message, noted: “He will be remembered for his commitment to nation- building; he canvassed unequivocally for equity, equality, value re-orientation, and unconstrained national development. He made perceptive contributions to issues that promote national dialogue during his time as President – General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Indeed, we have lost a rare gem. May his soul rest in peace, amen.
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, also mourned Iwuanyanwu, describing him as one of the very mighty Iroko trees produced from Igboland, saying: “He made unquantifiable contributions to national development…”
Former military administrator of Delta State, Air Commodore Luke Ochulor (rtd), said of the deceased: “I describe him as the eagle perching on an Iroko tree. If an eagle perches on such tree, everybody will look up, and if it flies away, everybody will equally know that there is a trouble.”
Obi of Obinugwu Kingdom and Chairman, Imo State Council of Elders, Eze (Dr) Cletus Ilomuanya, described Iwuanyanwu’s death as not just a painful loss, but also an eclipse that has fallen Igbos and Nigeria. He posited that that the death of the foremost entrepreneur and statesman, is a major setback to Ndigbo and Nigeria, pointing out that Iwuanyanwu epitomized nationalism and unity in diversity.
The Deputy Apex Leader, Ndigbo of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Mr Jude Idimogu, noted that the late Iwuanyanwu was a fighter for justice and fairness.
The Chairman APC in Enugu State, Ugochukwu Agballah, described the deceased as an unapologetic defender and advocate of Igbo renaissance.
The President of Igbo People Association in Kogi Central, Chief Joseph Anikwe, said Iwuanyanwu was a great man, who contributed immensely to the socio- cultural, political and economic development of Nigeria. The Labour Party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, on Friday, stated: “The Labour Party will greatly miss his guidance, countless counsel, and visionary leadership. We take solace in the knowledge that his legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for a better Nigeria.” The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, United Kingdom, and Northern Ireland through a statement by its president, Chief Aqueen Ibeto, noted: “Iwuanyanwu stood out as the most focused, creative, innovative, and robust thinker among Igbo leaders.”
Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide DMV USA Chapter, said Iwuanyanwu’s sudden death is not only shocking and devastating but has put spanner on the numerous unfinished projects he recently outlined that will bring immeasurable benefits to the larger society, according to Dr Hyacinth Nwachukwu, Chairman, and Dr Peter Egwom, Secretary General.
