As the mortal remains of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was lowered into Mother Earth earlier today, Nigerians have continued to eulogise him. Born Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu on 4th September 1942, the 11th president-general of Ọhanaeze Ndigbo died on 25 July 2024.
An astute politician, business mogul, philanthropist and leader, Iwuanyanwu was the Ahaejiagamba Ndi Igbo, a patriot and pan-Africanist.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of his home State Imo, described him as an inspiration, father figure and dependable leader. He asserted that leaders like the deceased come once in a blue moon and prayed that God should bless Nigeria with another Iwuanyanwu.
In his own tribute, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah noted that Iwuanyanwu was “one of the most illustrious sons of Ndigbo and Nigeria.”
To him: Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba, was an erudite scholar, entrepreneur, philanthropist quintessential statesman, an icon, pan-Nigerian, national colossus, and, indeed, an absolute patriot, who devoted his life to the pursuit of peace and progress of Ndi Igbo and Nigeria.
Mbah recalled that Ahaejiagamba took up the mantle of leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo at a very difficult time, and acquitted himself most creditably as a courageous leader, whose vision was to chart a new roadmap for Igbo renaissance in the Nigerian common wealth.
He therefore described his death as an incalculable loss. He averred that the memories of his great deeds and accomplishments will remain evergreen, and his legacies will always endure.
He concluded by condoling his family and prayed that God comforts and grant them, the government and people of Imo State, Ndi Igbo, and indeed, the nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Nigerians from all walks of life have continued to pour encomiums on the departed Ahaejiagmaba. Taiwo Adenaike, an Abeokuta based company executive has fond memories of various pulsating football matches between the then Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri, funded by the late Ahaejiagamba, and Abiola Babes of Abeokuta owned by the late Chief M K O Abiola.
A cross section of Nigerians, some of whom were beneficiaries of his philanthropic gestures remember him as a kind hearted man, a detribalised Nigerian and an African hero.
