Minister of Works, Senator Nweze David Umahi, today, joined millions of mourners to extol the achievements of the late Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, saying that he was exceptional in all his life’s endeavours.
In his tribute to Iwuanyanwu, Umahi noted that the late political colossus and business mogul also made a mark as the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo——a socio-cultural organisation.
“I am here today with a deep sense of loss and yet with a gratifying heart for the purposeful life and times of my leader, father, and professional colleague, Engineer Emmanuel Chuwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, CFR, former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo who was called to eternal glory on July 25, 2024 at the age of 82 years.
“It is indeed nostalgic to share the treasurable memories of this great man of God’s purpose who has departed gloriously at a time of God’s will. I remember the beautiful memories of the splendour of his life endeavours. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a household name in Igboland and Nigeria at large. His name rings a bell in our contemporary society as an experienced and well respected national figure with unwavering political, professional and business track-records and as an advocate of national renaissance who championed the cause of nation-building and ethical rebirth with unwavering passion. Chief Iwuanyanwu canvassed unequivocally for equity, equality, value re-orientation, and unconstrained national development. He desired a progressive Nigeria that blossoms in peace, prosperity, unity, and justice” he said in a statement.
According to Umahi, the life journey of Iwuanyanwu resonates in the fact that God strengthens and equips men for whatever He calls us to do.
“In business, political and socio-cultural life, he (Iwuanyanwu) was outstandingly and exceptionally huge, tall, elegant, and captivating. Iwuanyanwu will be remembered as a successful captain of industry who impacted humanity through diverse business ventures, including media and advertisement, entertainment and hospitality industry, shipping lines, insurance, and airline business. I am happy that he has continued to render national service through some of these conglomerates even at death, especially through his media outfit, Champion Newspapers Limited, currently headed by one of his daughters, Dr. (Mrs.) Nwadiuto Iheakanwa.
“A political heavy weight who led various national reconciliations and political harmonisations that shaped election outcomes especially in the 3rd and 4th republics, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu shall be remembered as a prominent political figure from South East extraction whose influence, sagacity, contacts and connection cannot be written off in the political landscape of Nigeria. He was a great voice for national consensus” the minister noted.
Umahi recalled that Iwuanyanwu lived and died in active service to his people and humanity, noting that as a leader, he died fighting for a just and equalitarian nation.
“When a leadership gap was created after the death of the then President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Ambassador Obiozor, he offered to fill the gap, and he recorded tremendous achievements within so short a time. His voice was heard, and his ideals and values were re-vibrated. He died fighting for a just and egalitarian nation. I must state that Nigeria has lost a great gem who came, saw, and conquered. Even in death, the nation needs to celebrate him.
“Although he departed in glory, leaving behind an irreplaceable vacuum, I charge the family and indeed the people of South East to keep his legacies alive by striving to foster the ideals his name represents. May his soul rest in perfect peace, Amen” he wished.
Daily Sun