CITIZENS COMPASS –Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday, described late President-General of the Igbo Socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as a citizen, who was a Nigerian Igbo man rather than otherwise.
Iwuanyanwu, one of the Nation’s most intrepid entrepreneurs, died on Thursday, at the age of 82.
In a condolence letter made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo remarked that Iwuanyanwu “was imbued with an undying love for his people which informed his acceptance to serve as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo so as to assist in ministering to, and advocating for their needs and truly.
“He was committed to the development and global vision of his people and the entire South-Eastern region of Nigeria till he breathed his last. He was a Nigerian Ibo rather than an Ibo Nigerian.
Obasanjo in the condolence letter to Jide Iwuanyanwu for the deceased family states, “I received the news of the death of my friend, brother and one of our nation’s most intrepid entrepreneurs, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, with mixed feelings of sadness and gratitude to God.
“I was sad because we will miss his contribution to the building of a new Nigeria of his dream but I am grateful to God for such a life well spent in the service of our fatherland.
“It is certainly not by accident that Iwuanyanwu is a household name throughout the country today even though ordinarily it should have been quite unpronounceable to any but the indigenous Igbo tongue. This is typical of the man behind the name. I met Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu many years ago and over this period, we established a relationship based on mutual respect for each other and deep appreciation of each other’s capabilities and attributes.”
The letter addressed to the Iwuanyanwu reads;
July 26, 2024
Mr. Jide Iwuanyanwu,
For the Family of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR,
c/o Oriental Palace, Okigwe Road,
P. O. Box 1045, Owerri,
Imo State.
E-mail: ahaejiagamb_e@yahoo.com
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE
I received the news of the death of my friend, brother and one of our nation’s most intrepid entrepreneurs, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, with mixed feelings of sadness and gratitude to God. I was sad because we will miss his contribution to the building of a new Nigeria of his dream but I am grateful to God for such a life well spent in the service of our fatherland.
It is certainly not by accident that Iwuanyanwu is a household name throughout the country today even though ordinarily it should have been quite unpronounceable to any but the indigenous Igbo tongue. This is typical of the man behind the name. I met Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu many years ago and over this period, we established a relationship based on mutual respect for each other and deep appreciation of each others capabilities and attributes.
Chief Iwuanyanwu revelled in overcoming obstacles. To most Nigerians, Chief Iwuanyanwu’s claim to fame in his proprietorship of Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, truly one of the outstanding football clubs on the continent, is remarkable. But it must be obvious to all observers that the same dedication, organizational ability, acumen and strong social motivation which gave birth to the famous Club found expression in many other facets of the Chief’s life in which he succeeded beyond the common measure.
Chief Iwuanyanwu broke through the frontiers of many businesses and was a giant in very many respects: a distinguished leader in the church, politics, business, publishing, engineering, aviation, agriculture, industry, insurance, banking, real estate/properties, shipping, hospitality, sports administration, philanthropy, etc. And through these businesses, he created thousands of jobs for many Nigerians irrespective of tribe and religion. Above all, a patriot and nationalist of no mean order. He belonged to that rare breed of Nigerians whose interests and associations cut across all sections of authentic heroes and role models to the youths of the nation symbolizing the finest qualities of the traditional and the modern. Chief Iwuanyanwu’s insatiable drive for success propelled him across several frontiers and made him a shining demonstration of what can be achieved when hard-work, perseverance, grit and intelligence are applied to seemingly insoluble problems.
In philanthropy, he awarded scholarships to over 5,000 indigent studies across Nigeria; he built and equipped a blood bank for Imo State Government; built over one billion naira Cathedral for St. Matthew Anglican Church Atta, Ikeduru LGA; built classroom blocks, hostels for several schools, donated majorly for the building of Imo Airport; and continued, until his death, to give massively to religious bodies including Churches and Mosques.
It is also worthy of note that Chief Iwuanyanwu acquitted himself as a peace-loving, unassuming and committed patriot. He was a firm believer in democracy and participatory governance. Until his death, he built for himself an impressive profile of immense goodwill and affection among his people. He was imbued with an undying love for his people which informed his acceptance to serve as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo so as to assist in ministering to, and advocating for their needs and truly, he was committed to the development and global vision of his people and the entire South-Eastern region of Nigeria till he breathed his last. He was a Nigerian Ibo rather than an Ibo Nigerian.
Inevitably, such an illustrious life has attracted a galaxy of honours from the nation, the church, academia, business community, traditional institutions, international professional bodies and social organizations which partially reflect the multiplicity of Chief’s attainments. However, I can testify that nothing bears such eloquent testimony to his sterling qualities as his enduring influence within his community, his nation and in international business circles.
The great outpouring of sympathy for the family and his loved ones since his death was announced is also an eloquent testimony to the enduring, nationwide bonds of comradeship and friendship which Emmanuel forged in his many years of service to our nation. He was a great philanthropist.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and other members of his family at this time as you mourn the passing of this illustrious son of Africa. On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I express sincere condolence and pray God to grant you all the grace to bear this great loss.
May the gentle soul of the dear departed rest in perfect peace.
OLUSEGUN OBASANJO
