*Ohanaeze Leader’s Last Official Assignments were Fight for Nnamdi Kanu’ Freedom, Restructuring
Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Thursday said the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu had no regrets seeking justice for the detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He noted that Iwuanyanwu never missed an opportunity to seek the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
The scribe disclosed this as the national burial committee announced the burial details.
The committee led by Senator Ben Obi along with the first daughter of Iwuanyanwu, Dr Nwadiuto Iheakanwa paid glowing tributes to the late nationalist and statesman.
Emuchay who was fielding questions during an Inaugural press conference organized by the national burial committee for the late Ohanaeze President, held in Abuja, also stated that had no regrets canvassing for the restructuring of Nigeria. Iwuanyanwu, who died on July 25, at the age of 82, Emuchay said, “will have no regrets on thses two critical issues”.
On restructuring, he said Ohanaeze had a canvass with PANDEF, M’Belt Forum and Afenifere to create additional states in the S‘East to balance up with other geo-political regions of the country. He assured that Ohanaeze will continue to pursue those issues that were dear to Iwuanyanwu’s heart.
Speaking on the funeral preparations, Senator Obi, chairman of the committee reaffirmed the November 1, 2024, burial date, adding that the icon and nationalist would be buried in Atta, Ikeduru, his country home in Imo state.
The funeral rites for the late national icon, according to Obi will commence on October 16, 2024 in Lagos, tagged Day of Tributes at Eko Hotel. On October 18, is tagged Abuja Day of Tributes, to hold at the National Ecumenical Centre. On October 26, tagged Enugu Day of Tributes, Iwuanyanwu’s remains will be taken to the headquarters of Ohanaeze Ndigbo at No. 7, Park Avenue, GRA, Enugu. Then, will proceed to Okpara Square, for the main event, which is expected to be elaborate. On October 26, Service of Songs will hold in Atta, Ikeduru, Imo State. On October 29, Commendation Service to precede his final journey buried on November 1, 2024.
On behalf of the National Planning Committee, I welcome you to this very important press briefing on our arrangements for honouring a distinguished national icon, leader, businessman, sports mogul and patriot. The series of activities lines up for this purpose will end with his final interment on the date we shall announce in the course of our interaction this morning.
The chairman took time to extol the personality of Iwuanyanwu, saying, “first place it on record that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, is one of the few Nigerians who can be described as a gift of God to this country. He touched many lives, communities and sectors in his long and eventful life.
“He invested heavily in nation building, group cohesion and the struggle for equity in our national life.
“Ahaejiagamba performed with distinction in the following areas, where he left lasting and indelible impressions.
THE MEDIA
As publisher of Champion Newspapers, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba, brought a strong and credible voice into Nigeria’s media space. The newspaper presented informed perspectives, projected public interest news and also maintained a balanced reporting of critical national development and policy issues.
BUSINESS AND AVIATION
Oriental Airlines, the flagship of aviation service in the South East route was the brainchild of Ahaejiagamba. He set it up, nurtured it and created new paradigms in the aviation services by focusing on what is important to the people.
Beyond setting up the airline, our late leader put down 2 million dollars of his hard-earned money towards the construction of the now-very-strategic Sam Mbakwe Airport in Imo State.
His construction company, Hardel and Enic left its mark in road construction, the building of estate and, especially, in the construction of impressive academic blocks in some of our universities. He was a success story in every line of business he ventured into and touched more lives than we can mention here today.
He made our people proud with Iwuanyanwu Narionale football team, which became both a rallying sports platform and a symbol of group pride. Ahaejiagamba play at the highest level of national politics. His political aspirations were also tied to his subsisting desire to positively impact the life of the people and help in driving using the best, and highest, global standards for responsible leadership.
There is a lot more to be said about this great man, but I would like to leave it here for now and brief us on the detailed programs and activities lined up for his final journey.
The occasion was well attended by eminent persons from the South East. Noticeably present were Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Uche Ekwenife, Dr Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, daughter to Iwuanyanwu, Jide, son to Iwuanyanwu and a host of others.
