Umahi pays tribute to Chief Iwuanyanwu, describes late icon as political heavy weight
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has expressed sadness and grief over the exit of an icon and the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Late Chief Engr Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, saying that his name rings a bell in Nigeria 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.
Umahi, in a statement he personally signed, said the great Nigerian and the man who brought professionalism to media industry, would be missed by all Nigerians.
He said ” 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, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Chuwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, CFR, former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo who was called to eternal glory on 25th July 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 Igbo land 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.
“The life journey of Chief Iwuanyanwu resonates in the fact that God strengthens and equips us for whatever he calls us to do. In business, political and socio-cultural life, he was outstandingly and exceptionally huge, tall, elegant, and captivating. Chief 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 Newspaper Ltd, currently headed by one of his daughters, Dr. (Mrs.) Nwadiuto Iheakanwa.
“A political heavy weight who led various national reconciliations and political harmonizations 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, contact and connection cannot be written-off in the political landscape of Nigeria. He was a great voice for national consensus.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu lived and died in active service to his people and humanity. When a leadership gap was created after the death of the then President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Amb. 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”.
