Some notable Nigerians have described the late Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as a “statesman par excellence” who was committed and dedicated his life to seeking peace and progress in Nigeria.
They paid tribute during the Song Service held in Enugu on Saturday in honor of the late Mr. Iwuanyanwu.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, in his tribute, described the late Mr. Iwuanyanwu as “an Iroko” whose departure would be greatly felt across the country, especially in Igboland.
“Iwuanyanwu stood as a towering example of generosity, courage and wisdom. Known as a bridge builder, he extended his hands between communities and faiths, thus fostering unity in our difficult times.
“For me, the sense of loss evoked by the loss of Iwuanyanwu is not one that time can heal.
“His love for Ndigbo and his great devotion to Nigeria were not mutually exclusive. In fact, he has shown that you can worship your tribe and your country in equal measure,” he said.
Uche Azikiwe, a professor and widow of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria's first president, noted that Iwuanyanwu was unique in many ways and a pioneer.
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Azikiwe said the late Igbo leader set a role for the younger generation of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, from civil engineering to newspaper publishing.
“The iconic leader demonstrated foresight, courage and the ultimate spirit of self-improvement of the Igbo man. “His ability to create was only matched by his ability to give,” he said.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Secretary-General Okey Emuchey said Iwuanyanwu was a statesman par excellence, an iconic pan-Nigerian and national colossus.
“Until his departure, our leader remained an absolute patriot who dedicated his life to the pursuit of peace and progress for Ndigbo and Nigeria,” he said.
He was a lover of young people.
Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, general president of the Ohanaeze youth wing, said Iwuanyanwu revived and sustained the youth wing to be vibrant and “be a voice”.
Mr. Okpalaezeukwu said being a lover of the youth and their aspiration to grow, Mr. Iwuanyanwu would also accompany and advise the youths of Ohanaeze on the right path towards any issue.
“Iwuanyanwu remains a father to us all, a role model, an achiever to emulate and a passionate leader who seeks the growth and upliftment of the youth.
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Umuada Igbo, a group comprising Igbo daughters in South East, Delta and Rivers states, called on South East state governments to immortalize the late President General.
The President General, Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora, Kate Ezeofor, said Mr. Iwuanyanwu was a great son of Igboland who lived and died in the service of his people.
“Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, worked closely with Umuada Igbo Nigeria and the diaspora.
“As Umuada Igbo, we are making passionate appeals to the South Eastern state governments to immortalize Chief Iwuanyanwu in different ways.
“Furthermore, we call on the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to immortalize Chief Iwuanyanwu because he was a true Nigerian patriot who made innumerable contributions in various sectors,” he said.
The funeral rites of the late Mr. Iwuanyanwu would begin on Tuesday, October 29.
Iwuanyanwu, who died on July 25 at the age of 82, will be buried on November 1.
(YAYA)