Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed deep shock and sadness at the sudden passing of its President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanyu, who died early Thursday morning, July 25, aged 82, after a brief illness.
National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze, Alex Ogbonnia, in a statement, described Iwuanyanyu as a leader who introduced strategic and visionary dimension to the modus operandi of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, adding that he had a towering personality with an impressive record as one of the most successful businessmen in Nigeria.
“Iwuanyanyu deployed his prodigious intellect, political, administrative and political acumen, vast knowledge and invaluable contacts in the selfless service of Ndigbo. The transformative leader lifted Ohanaeze Ndigbo far from its familiar habitat and provenance to an enviable pedestal,” Ogbonnia said.
“As members of the NEC, we were always amazed by the brilliant initiatives, elephantine memory, elephantine memory, oratory, including the frequency with which the Igbo Leader enunciated robust ideas. Looking back, Ndigbo all over the world were delighted that a jinx-breaker, business icon, moral edifice, mobilizer, harmonizer of diverse interests and an accomplished achiever in the person of Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, was at the helm of affairs as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. It is, therefore, very painful that Chief Iwuanyanwu has passed on with all the ideas that were at his disposal.”
Ohanaeze expressed sadness that both Professor George Obiozor and Chief Iwuanyanwu died in office, describing as worrisome “the rate at which we are losing the brightest of the brightest among the Igbo in a close sequence at a time their wise counsel is mostly needed.”
“It was Prof Ben Nwabueze, and later, His Majesty, Igwe Joseph Chike Edozien, Dr. Sylvester Ebiwei, Professor Joe Irukwu, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, amongst others,” Ogbonnia lamented.
“The Iwuanyanwu trajectory is an admonition to the present day selfish and mundane leaders who perceive legacy as leaving enormous wealth behind for one’s offspring; rather, it’s about laying invaluable foundation among the populace, especially for younger generations,” the statement read, in part.
“Iwuanyanwu’s life mission transcended self; rather he was devoted to charity, humanity and service to God. Nigerians across the board had viewed with immense delight and awe the various courageous successful adventures Ahaejiagamba had made in diverse fields of endeavour.
“What has kept the cynics gaping was the extraordinary brain power and the exceptional grace of God to coordinate the above activities without weary, taint, tarnish or blemish.
“In spite of his amazing height in society and busy schedule, he devoted quality time in service to Ndigbo. He served as Chairman of the following Ohanaeze Committees: State Creation Committee, Planning and Strategy Committee, Political Committee, Constitution Drafting Committee and currently, the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
“The Iwuanyanwu persona is a veritable and inspiring tribute to virtues of hard work, sincerity, heroism, sacrifice, ingenuity, philanthropy and mentorship to the people. For instance, when his people needed his services most, he volunteered to serve as a Biafran soldier, rising to the rank of Captain at a very young age.
“Several communities across Igbo land and beyond have conferred chieftaincy titles on Iwuanyanwu. Numerous corporate bodies have also honoured the philanthropists of our time.”
Condoling the wife and children, the people of Umuohiri Attah community and the Imo State government, the apex-Igbo socio-cultural organisation prayed to the Almighty God to grant the soul of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, eternal rest in his bosom.
Chief Iwuanyanwu assumed office as the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on April 30, 2023. He was the ninth leader of the Igbo group since its inception in 1976.
