By ADEMOLA TIJANI
The National Burial Committee for the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has officially announced the schedule of activities leading up to his burial.
The late politician, businessman, and sports promoter will be honored with a series of events, starting in Lagos on October 16, 2024, with the Lagos Day of Tribute. This announcement was made by the Committee’s National Chairman, Senator Ben Obi, during a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday.
Senator Obi revealed that the Lagos Day of Tribute will take place at Eko Hotel and emphasized that Chief Iwuanyanwu was a prominent national figure. As such, the Committee will reach out to the Federal Government to participate in the commemorative events.
The schedule for the burial activities will continue with a second Day of Tribute in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, on October 18, 2024. This event will be held at the National Christian Centre. On October 26, another tribute will be held in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, at Okpara Square, further celebrating the life and legacy of Chief Iwuanyanwu.
In addition to the tributes, Owerri, the capital city of Imo State, will host a Service of Songs on October 29 in the late Iwuanyanwu’s hometown of Atta, Ikeduru. Then, on November 1, a Commendation Service will take place in Owerri, followed by the “Igbo Burial” (traditional rites) in Atta, Ikeduru, on the same day.
Speaking about Chief Iwuanyanwu, Senator Obi described him as an outstanding national figure who excelled in various fields. He referred to him as “Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo,” a title which signifies his position as a highly respected leader among the Igbo people, Obi continued, praising Iwuanyanwu’s significant contributions to the nation and its people, stating:
“Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a distinguished national icon, leader, businessman, sports mogul, and patriot. He was one of the few Nigerians who can truly be regarded as a gift to this country. Throughout his long and eventful life, he touched countless lives, communities, and industries. He was deeply invested in nation-building, promoting unity, and advocating for equity in our national affairs.”
Obi went on to highlight several key areas where Chief Iwuanyanwu left a lasting legacy:
Media: As the publisher of Champion Newspapers, Chief Iwuanyanwu established a credible and influential voice in Nigeria’s media landscape. The newspaper became known for its well-informed perspectives and its commitment to reporting on issues of public interest. It played a crucial role in offering balanced coverage of national policy and development matters.
Business and Aviation: Chief Iwuanyanwu founded Oriental Airlines, which became a leading airline serving the South East region. He was instrumental in reshaping the aviation industry by focusing on the needs of the people. His commitment to aviation extended beyond the airline, as he contributed $2 million of his own money toward the construction of Sam Mbakwe Airport in Imo State, now recognized as a vital transportation hub.
Iwuanyanwu’s business acumen also extended to construction, with his company, Hardel and Enic, making a significant impact in road construction, estate building, and the development of academic infrastructure in several Nigerian universities. His success in business positively impacted many lives, and his contributions were felt in multiple sectors.
Sports: Chief Iwuanyanwu also made a mark in Nigerian sports, particularly through the Iwuanyanwu Nationale football team. The team became a unifying platform for the people of the South East and a source of pride for the Igbo community. He was actively involved in national politics, and his aspirations in the political arena were always aligned with his desire to serve the people and promote responsible leadership on a global scale.
Senator Obi concluded his remarks by acknowledging that “there is much more to be said about this great man.” He expressed confidence that Chief Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to Nigeria would be remembered for generations to come.
The Committee also announced that several organizations with which Chief Iwuanyanwu was closely associated, including the Nigerian Football Federation and the Nigerian Society of Engineers, will play active roles in the burial proceedings. They further stated that Chief Iwuanyanwu was a staunch advocate for the South East region and a proponent of a restructured Nigeria. In recognition of his efforts, they plan to petition the Federal Government to immortalize him.
