…say, it’s a big loss to Nigeria, Ohanaeze
Anambra state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, Senator Victor Umeh representing Anambra Central and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, have expressed deep grief over the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu on Thursday, July 25.
The Igbo leaders described the passing of the Ohanaeze president general worldwide as a significant loss for prominent Igbo leaders, Ndigbo, Nigeria and the international community.
In separate statements made in Awka, Soludo, Umeh, and Udeze expressed their profound sadness, calling it a monumental loss not only to Iwuanyanwu’s immediate family and the Igbo nation but also to the entire country.
Soludo, in particular, referred to Iwuanyanwu as a personal mentor, a great supporter and an influential figure whose life and wise counsel epitomized exceptional leadership, patriotism and unwavering dedication to the progress of both the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a whole.
“His contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria are immeasurable. As the publisher of the Champion Newspapers and owner of several other businesses, his entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic endeavours have left an enduring legacy in our nation”, he said.
The governor recalled and praised the significant contributions of Iwuanyanwu as chairman of the planning committee of Ohanaeze, a strategic position the governor also occupied in the past in Ohanaeze
“Also, as the 11th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, he provided exemplary leadership, fostering unity, and championing the interests of Ndigbo even while building bridges of peace across Nigeria,” Soludo said
Senator Umeh lamented the rapid loss of national icons, citing figures like George Obiozor, Ogbonnaya Onu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Alex Ekwueme and Ben Nwabueze.
He described Iwuanyanwu’s death as a tragic loss, noting that Iwuanyanwu passed away while still serving the Igbo nation.
Iwuanyanwu, aged 82, died on Thursday after a brief illness, according to a statement by his son, Jide Iwuanyanwu.
Umeh’s emotional tribute echoed the widespread sadness and sense of loss across the Igbo nation.
Anambra State House of Assembly Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze praised the late president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo as a true Igbo man who represented the interests of Ndigbo in all respects.
In his condolence message on behalf of the lawmakers, Udeze emphasized that Iwuanyanwu’s death was a great loss to the Igbo race, Nigeria and the international community, given his significant contributions to the growth and development of the Southeast and Nigeria at large.
Udeze recalled the many achievements of the late Ohanaeze chieftain, highlighting his diverse ventures in the engineering sector as a renowned engineer, his impact on journalism as the publisher of the famous Champion Newspaper and his contributions to sports development as the founder of Iwuanyanwu Football Club of Owerri.
Udeze noted that Iwuanyanwu died as an accomplished statesman.
He urged other affluent personalities to emulate Iwuanyanwu’s humility, hard work, and selfless service to God and humanity by dedicating part of their resources to the country’s development and the well-being of the masses.
Udeze called on the federal government to immortalize Iwuanyanwu by naming a federal sports institution after him in recognition of his significant contributions to sports development in the country.
He extended his condolences to the family, the Imo State government, Ndigbo and Nigeria at large, urging the family members to uphold the sterling attributes of the late leader and praying for God to grant his soul eternal rest.
