Dignitaries yesterday in Owerri, Imo State paid tributes to the late president-general of Ohanaeze N’digbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, at an interment service in his honour before his burial in Atta, Ikeduru local government area.
The service took place at the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew, Atta.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), George Akume, described the late elder statesman as a true hero, visionary leader and committed nationalist who distinguished himself by preserving the nation’s territorial integrity.
“In his lifetime, Iwuanyanwu dedicated himself and his God-endowed resources in several endeavours to uplift communities, friends and the underprivileged. As a nationalist, Iwuanyanwu championed nation building by promoting unity and harmony among diverse communities, tribes and religious divides,” Tinubu said.
He said Iwuanyanwu’s leadership as the 11th president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo was noted for general acceptability, collaboration and unity.
The president assured Nigerians that his administration had taken bold economic steps to secure the future of Nigerian children.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, described Iwuanyanwu as “a trail blazer” who excelled in business, politics, social and economic investments facets.
Akpabio, represented by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, said Iwuanyanwu never ignored a national cause to make Nigeria a better place, saying, “He pursued issues of justice and equity with a nationalistic consciousness”.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State commended governors of the South-East for providing leadership and resources towards the burial.
Uzodimma said that Iwuanyanwu died as a leader in service, fighting for the cause of mankind, Igbo people and Nigeria in general.
“He believed in a united and peaceful Nigeria, where justice and equity reigned.
He believed in Nigeria, where Igbo people will thrive in peace, along with other tribes and fellow citizens.
“He was a peacemaker, life saver, selfless leader, a compassionate father, grandfather and husband,” Uzodimma said.
Uzodimma renamed the ultramodern International Conference Centre under construction after the late nationalist.
Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, in his sermon, spoke on the topic, “Serving the purpose of God in our generation.“
Ndukuba, who took his sermon from the Acts of the Apostles 13:36, urged all to live a sacrificial life of humanity. The cleric said part of the will of God was for man to labour in dignity, live a life of salvation, and serve God and humanity.
He said Nigeria was facing crisis of confidence in its leadership, both religious and political leaders.
“I am ashamed that while families in Nigeria cannot feed twice a day, our religious leaders are receiving car gifts in the name that they cannot die poor. This is not the time for us to show how wealthy we are but time to help one another,” Ndukuba said and urged investment in youths and admonished Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies.
Ndukuba called on the president to convene a conference of all citizens that would produce a new constitution for the country and prayed God to give Tinubu the boldness to tackle the myriads of challenges facing the country.
“I also want to encourage Ndigbo to unite in the nomination of another leader who will lead with the fear of God and project the interest of the people.”
Iwuanyanwu’s eldest son, Jidechukwu, thanked the guests, especially the president and South-east governors for rallying round their family and being in attendance to pay their last respect to their father.
“God has always been with my father from time imemorial. He was a man of exploits who always had faith in God,’’ he said.
Other dignitaries present at the service included Gov. Alex Otti of Abia and his Enugu State counterpart, Gov. Peter Mbah.
Also present were the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, and wife of former president Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan, among others.
