Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described the passing of its president-general, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo), as a loss to Ndigbo, Nigeria and the world at large.
In press release signed by Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the organization described the late Igbo leader as “a towering personality with an impressive record as one of the most successful business men in Nigeria,” adding that he introduced strategic and visionary dimension to the modus operandi of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
According to the release, Iwuanyanwu “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.”
He said that the late Igbo leader was “a jinx-breaker, business icon, moral edifice, mobilizer, harmonizer of diverse interests and an accomplished achiever in the person.”
It is indeed a sad denouement for the Igbo that both Professor George Obiozor and Chief Iwuanyanwu died in office. We are also worried at the rate we are losing the brightest of the brightest among the Igbo in a close sequence at a time their wise counsels are 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.
He described Iwuanyanwu as a philanthropist par excellence, focused creative thinker, brave soldier, accomplished engineer, astute business mogul, industrialist and a sagacious politician, and the former highest employer of labour at least in the entire East of the Niger.
He added that Iwuanyanwu was the chairman of the Iwuanyanwu Foundation which offered scholarships to over 10,000 indigent students across the country and donated to universities to create conducive environments for learning; built churches and other community facilities.
He disclosed that in politics, Ahaejiagamba produced several chairmen of local governments, commissioners, senators, ministers and governors most of whom are still alive.
He posited 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.
He described Iwuanyanwu as a man who used his ingenuity and talent to found over 20 limited liability companies that employed thousands of Nigerians, adding that some of the companies Hardel & Enic Construction Ltd; Champion Newspapers; Oriental Airlines; Oriental Shipping Lines Ltd; Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club of Owerri, which won several national and international championships (now Heartland F.C of Owerri); Enic Advertising and Marketing; Sunrise Insurance Brokers; Benhol Farms Limited; Magil Agricultural & Animal Health Products Limited, among many others.
He explained that the Iwuanyanwu persona is a veritable and inspiring tribute to virtues of hard work, sincerity, heroism, sacrifice, ingenuity, philanthropy and mentorship to the people, adding that several communities across Igbo land and beyond have conferred chieftaincy titles on Iwuanyanwu and numerous corporate bodies have also honoured the philanthropist.
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