It was a night of superlative encomiums as galaxy of distinguished personalities from all works of life gathered to pay tributes to an illustrious son of Nigeria , the late Chief Dr. Engr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu ( (Aghaejiagamba), President General of Ohan’eze Nd’Igbo whose demise occured July 25th.
Notable personalities who graced the occasion include the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba; retired Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Reverend Dr. Samuel Kalu Uche; Senator Ben Obi; former Chief of General Staff, Ubitu Ukiwe; Prof. Anya O Anya; Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Sam Amuka Pemu; and former Chief of Naval Staff, retired Admiral Allison Madueke, among other friends family members and Nigerians.
They respectively paid tributes to Chief Iwuanyanwu, Wednesday, at the first phase of service of songs/night of tributes in honour of Iwuanyanwu organised by the National Burial Committee headed by Senator Ben Obi at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
They eulogized Iwuanyanwu’s personal disposition to life, business acumen, political interests as well as leadership style.
In his tribute, the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu described him as a patriot and a dedicated servant to the growth and progress of not only the Igbo land but of Nigeria in general, noting that he embodied excellence and left a lasting legacy in every he had played.
According to Sanwo-Olu, “As a business icon, Chief Iwuanyanwu built the Iwuanyanwu Group into a powerhouse, an enviable business conglomerate that spans several industries. His contribution to the media space gave birth to what we know today as the Champion Newspapers. It amplified the voice of the less privileged and he gave hope to the hopeless, strengthening the voice of the Press in our country. His commitment to youth and youth development is equally inspiring.
“In politics, Chief Emmanuel was a respected elder statesman and a champion of unity. His voice resonated particularly in advocating not only for Igbo but for Nigeria at home and promoting unity across our nation.
“His message was a message of a diverse ethnic group and appreciating that we could be different, but we’re all the same.
”His philanthropic efforts are a reflection of his generous spirit. Through his foundation, countless scholarships were awarded to underprivileged students, and his support for his community touched lives beyond his state of Imo and here in Lagos, we felt it and beyond his commitment to improving education and expanding opportunities for the less fortunate and less privileged will forever stand as part of his enduring legacy.”
The Lagos state governor maintained that Chief Iwuanyanwu is worth celebrating courtesy of his tremendous contributions not only in the South East but in the entire nation, stressing that he was indeed a giant of his time as the nation would mourn his passing.
On his part, the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, described Iwuanyanwu as a true Nigerian and professional.
In his words: “He was a devoted leader of his people in the world and, at the same time, an exceptional Nigerian patriot.
“Only last May, he joined former President Obasanjo and I in writing letters to the five governors of the South-East Zone, inviting them to a meeting with us to discuss collaboration in the development of the zone.
“Unfortunately, Chief Iwuanyanwu was not able to attend the meeting which former President Obasanjo and I had with the five governors.
“He was not able to attend the meeting at the last minute because of illness,” Anyaoku said.
Also speaking, retired Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Samuel Kalu Uche, noted that Chief Iwuanyanwu laboured for the unity of Nigeria since the civil war period.
According to him, “people are still being oppressed and marginalised in Nigeria causing inequality in the nation. That is why an Yoruba man went to London recently to request for Yoruba Nation yet, he was not arrested.”
The cleric, at the occasion, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally, adding that this should be done for unity, love and peace to reign.
He further said Chief Iwuanyanwu died as a Christian who ‘had no skeleton in his cupboard’ and had gone to be with the Lord.
In her tribute, Iwuanyanwu’s daughter, Dr Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, described her father as her strength, superhero and encourager.
Iheakanwa said: “He was a very duty-bound father; he loved me and all of us too much. My dad was so particularly proud of his children and many people did not know I was his only child for nine years.
“The 10th year, my sister came. For my father, I was a girl and a boy; he would teach me the ropes and things to do.
“He has been through a lot in politics, business and even health yet he remained strong. I thank God for the life he lived and for always answering my prayers whenever my dad was sick. I can’t believe that he is gone.”
Mrs Iheakanwa expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests for honoring their late father and asked for continuous prayers for the deceased family at this trying time.
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