…as Imo govt names IICC after late Ohanaeze leader
President Bola Tinubu, Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, and other prominent Nigerians at the weekend described the late President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as a colossus of no mean proportion who lived a life of service to humanity and God until his last day on earth.
They spoke at a well-attended funeral service of Chief Iwuanyanwu at the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew, Atta in Ikeduru Anglican Diocese, where torrents of remarks from the high and mighty who attended the event pointed to a man whose legacy of service in his community, state, region and country speaks volumes.
President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, described Iwuanyanwu as one who served the country in many official capacities, noting that “the nation mourns him as an illustrious son of Nigeria”.
“Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was courageous, defiant of injustice, and uncompromising; he had the heart of a gladiator, resolute and indomitable,” said Tinubu.
“Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was enterprising, believed in Nigeria’s human and material abundance and fecundity and his investments cutting across sectors and the nation attest to this. He lived a life of service with his wealth, served his people and the nation at large,” he said.
Tinubu commiserated with Iwuanyanwu’s family, the government and people of Imo State, and Ndigbo at large over the loss.
In his address, Governor Uzodimma commended the late sage for his legacies in different aspects of life, saying Imo State owes Iwuanyanwu a lot for his contributions to the wellbeing of the people and the state.
To show gratitude to Chief Iwuanyanwu for his contributions to Imo State in particular, Governor Uzodimma named one of his ongoing ambitious projects, the Imo International Conference Centre (IICC) in Owerri, after the departed Ohanaeze leader.
He thanked his brother governors of the South East for coming together to provide leadership that made the funeral rites of Chief Iwuanyanwu seamless.
Uzodimma said that the gathering was not necessarily to mourn the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, but to celebrate a man who gave his life and resources to the service of God and humanity, emphasizing that “his legacies live on”.
“He was a nationalist, a detribalised Nigerian, who had strong defining attributes, fighting for all to live together,” Uzodimma said.
“He was a bridge builder, peace maker, pacesetter, accomplished father, a philanthropist and welfarist. He was always there in times of need of the ordinary person.
“Iwuanyanwu’s deeds will speak for him as can be seen in engineering, sports, aviation, media, banking, insurance, real estate and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, described Iwuanyanwu as “a trailblazer and friend of all who touched lives of people by being involved in different aspects of lives endeavour”.
“Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a patriot, a nationalist, a detribalised Nigerian who believed in the unity of the country encompassed in justice, equity and fair play,” he said.
Akpabio condoled with the family and all those affected by the demise of the President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Earlier in his sermon, the Primate and Metropolitan of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Revd. Dr. Henry Ndukauba, enjoined the congregation to serve the purpose of God in their lives.
He enjoined the Iwuanyanwu family to immortalize him by living as one united family even as he prayed that God will “raise another patriot who will lead Ndigbo honestly, sincerely, and selflessly”.
Ndukauba advised President Tinubu to convoke a conference of the citizens of Nigeria to discuss issues concerning the welfare of the citizens.
He reminded the audience that there is God’s purpose for every man and family, and that all humanity is created from one blood, enjoining all to endeavour to live a life of sacrifice “because after death there will be judgement before God”.
Those who attended the funeral service include governors of Abia and Enugu States, while Anambra and Ebonyi State governors were represented by their deputies. Rivers and Delta State governors were represented by their commissioners.
Others were former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy National Chairman, South of the APC, Chief Emma Enukwu, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and former governors of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, Rochas Okorocha, and Emeka Ihedioha.
