‘We Lost A Gem,’ Ohanaeze Ndigbo Mourns Iwuanyanwu

Apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed deep shock over the passing of President-General of the organisation, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, saying the Ndigbo has lost a gem.

A statement on Thursday by the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Dr Alex Ogbonnia said, “He was indeed larger than life; and the best President Ohanaeze Ndigbo ever had. We have lost a gem.”

Son of the departed Igbo leader, Mr. Jude Iwuanyanwu, announced the passing of his father, saying that the legendary industrialist departed on Thursday, July 25, 2024 after a brief illness at the age of 82.

Iwuanyanwu assumed office as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on April 30, 2023 as the ninth leader of the Igbo group since its inception in 1976.

Reacting to the demise of its leader, Ogbonnia said Iwuanyanwu introduced strategic and visionary dimension to the modus operandi of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“In the first place, Ahaejiagamba had a towering personality with an impressive record as one of the most successful businessmen in Nigeria.

“He 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 added that, “As members of the NEC, we were always amazed by the brilliant initiatives, elephantine memory, oratory, including the frequency with which the Igbo leader enunciated robust ideas.

“Looking back, Ndigbo all over the world were delighted that a jinx-breaker, business icon, moral edifice, mobiliser, harmoniser of diverse interests and an accomplished achiever in the person of Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, was at the helm of affairs as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. It is therefore very painful that Chief Iwuanyanwu has passed on with all the ideas that were at his disposal.

“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, His Majesty, Igwe Joseph Chike Edozien, Dr. Sylvester Ebiwei, Professor Joe Irukwu, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, amongst others,” he stated.

Ogbonnia described the late leader 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 in the entire East of the Niger.

He noted that as the Chairman of the Iwuanyanwu Foundation the deceased offered scholarships to over 10,000 indigent students across the country, and donating to universities to create conducive environments for learning; built churches and other community facilities.

He recalled that when the former governor of Old Imo State, Chief Sam Mbakwe conceived the idea of an International Cargo Airport at Owerri over 40 years ago, it was Iwuanyanwu who made the highest donation of $2 million, among others.

In politics, he recalled that the late Iwuanyanwu produced several chairmen of local governments, commissioners, senators, ministers and governors most of whom are still alive.

“The 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; rather, it’s about laying invaluable foundation among the populace, especially for younger generations,” he said.

He added that Iwuanyanwu’s life mission transcended self, but one that is rather devoted to charity, humanity and service to God.

“Nigerians across board had viewed with immense delight and awe, the various courageous successful adventures Ahaejiagamba had made in diverse fields of endeavour.

“He was a man who used his ingenuity and talent to found over twenty limited liability companies that employed thousands of Nigerians,” he said.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s image maker further extolled its late leader, saying despite his amazing height in society and busy schedules, he devoted quality time in service to Ndigbo on different platforms leading to his last as the President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

He described his persona as a veritable and inspiring tribute to virtues of hard work, sincerity, heroism, sacrifice, ingenuity, philanthropy and mentorship to the people.

Ogbonnia further highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s “prodigious intellect, character comeliness, generosity, frontier spirit, perseverance and tenacity portraying the infinite capacity of human beings to shape their own destinies; and a caution to the dangers of self-delusion, arrogance and get-rich-quick syndrome which have become the contemporary social variables amongst today youths.”

“While we send a heartfelt condolence to the amiable wife, the children, the people of Umuohiri Attah community and the Imo State government, we ask the Almighty to grant the soul of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, an eternal rest in his bosom,” the statement said.