In a heartfelt tribute, former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has described the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as a formidable bridge builder who dedicated his life to fostering unity and understanding between Ndigbo and other tribes.
Ngige highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s remarkable ability to connect different ethnic groups, leveraging his political and business networks to promote collaboration between the Igbo, Afenifere, Northern Elders Forum, and the Middle-Belt Forum.
Ngige also praised Iwuanyanwu’s extensive contributions to various sectors, including construction, aviation, and sports, describing him as a role model for future generations.
He lamented the void left by Iwuanyanwu’s passing, recalling his courageous spirit during the Biafran War and his ability to inspire those around him.
Ngige extended his condolences to Iwuanyanwu’s family, the people of Imo State, and the entire Igbo nation, affirming the enduring legacy of a man who passionately advocated justice and equity for all.
“A lot has been said about Chief Iwanyanwu but his philanthropy, kind-heartedness to all Nigerians and his courage and love for the Igbo were prodigious. His Iwanyanwu Foundation was always giving and doing good to all persons without discrimination about tribe or religion,” Ngige said.
“It was this love for the Igbo that made him accept the leadership of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide, after the demise of another Igbo patriot, Prof George Obiozor, to pilot the organization to achieve the original mission of the Founding Fathers like Dr Akanu Ibiam, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, Sir Jerome Udoji, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Chief Francis Ellah, Prof. Chike Edozien, Chief Emmanuel Aguma, Dr Obi Wali, Chief M.N Ugochukwu to name a few.
“Within months of assumption of office, he lifted the Organisation to lofty height traversing the seven Igbo States of Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Rivers and Delta. He had quelled and settled internal crises in many chapters in Nigeria and had also visited overseas formations and restructured Ohaneze UK,USA, among others.”
According to the former Anambra Governor who also served in the immediate past administration as Minister of Labour and Productivity, Ohaneze National ExecutiveCommittee (NEC) under the late Iwuanyanwu’s leadership had appoint him as the Chairman of the Skills &YouthDevelopment Committee, “which I accepted because of Ahaejiagamba and his passion for our people.”
“The committee had drawn up programmes of action for our people awaiting endorsement and implementation before his sudden departure,” Ngige lamented.
“Iwuanyanwu was also a bridge builder using his political and business connections to reach out to Afenifere, the South South, Northern Elders Forum and Middle-Belt Forum- all geared towards the protection of our people and their businesses in all corners of Nigeria.
“Death is inevitable for us mortals but Ahaejiagamba’s death has created a yawning void that will be difficult to fill, a situation which makes some remember with nostalgia his exploits as a young Captain Emmanuel wuanyanwu and later Major Emmanuel Iwanyanwu of the Biafran Corps of army Engineers. His troops would always then refuse to go to battle and other military operations without him because of his courage, inspiration and gallantry.”
“But one assurance we give Ahaejiagamba for now is that the troops he is leaving behind here will not be afraid to do the necessary political battles needed to give our people equity and justice and their pride of place in the Nigerian Nation,” Ngige, a one time Senator, surmised.
