1 month ago
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Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah and the House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, have mourned former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Governor Peter Mbah and Benjamin Kalu described the late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as a patriot to the Igbo nation and Nigeria.
Mbah and Kalu said Chief Iwuanyanwu’s death was a big loss to the Igbo nation and Nigeria. They described him as an entrepreneur who has contributed greatly to the development of South East region and Nigeria.
Enugu State governor said, “Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was an icon, pan Nigerian, national colossus, and an absolute patriot, who gave his all for the peace and progress of Ndigbo and Nigeria.
“Ahaejiagamba, as he was popularly known, took up the mantle of leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at a very difficult time, and acquitted himself most creditably as a courageous leader, whose vision was to chart a new roadmap for Igbo renaissance in the Nigerian commonwealth.
“He was an erudite scholar, researcher, media entrepreneur, sports enthusiast and financier, business mogul with interest in many critical sectors of the nation’s economy, and indeed a philanthropist.
“His politics was no less remarkable. His views were candid and unpretentious, but never divisive. His maturity shone brightly, as he often sought to build bridges.
“Indeed, Chief Iwuanyanwu, a pan Africanist, would be missed by not only Ndigbo and Nigeria, but Africa as a whole.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Enugu State, I offer my condolences to his family and pray that God comforts and grants them as well as the Government and people of Imo State, Ndigbo, and the nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
In his condolence message, Kalu said, ” This profound loss casts a shadow of mourning over Ndigbo and the Southeast region.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was a distinguished figure in our region, a paragon of excellence, excelling in multiple spheres; business, political leadership, and community service. He was a passionate advocate for Nigerian voices, particularly the Igbos, using his platform, the Champion Newspaper, to promote unity and peace among Ndigbo and the nation.
“He was a man of many talents and responsibilities, fulfilling his duties admirably. In the latter part of his life, he offered unwavering support and prayers when I became Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, remaining steadfast in his encouragement.
“Against all odds, he ensured he was present at the unveiling of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in Bende on the 29th of December, 2023. It is particularly sad that he passed away just as his long-held dream of establishing the Southeast Development Commission was realized.
“As a visionary entrepreneur, he fearlessly invested in Nigeria, creating jobs and opportunities while others moved their funds abroad. His knowledge of Nigerian history, especially the Southeastern experience, was invaluable, and his loss leaves a significant gap in our collective memory. His absence will leave a deep void in the hearts of Ndigbo and the Southeast region.
“We have lost a mentor who imparted wisdom to the younger generation with his wealth of experience. The nation, and especially the Southeast, will miss the unique value and selflessness that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu embodied.”
English (US) ·