A man of esteem until his final journey, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu commanded great respect from all spheres of life. Every path that he traded he left an indelible mark of affection, impact and transformation. With this foreground Korede Abdullah writes on his impactful life and times
Glowing tributes have continued to pour in to the late Chief Emmanuel iwuanyanwu (CFR), who passed away on July 25 (today) at the age of 82. Chief Nwanyanwu’s death has left an unfillable void in the Nigeria’s socio-political firmament.
Iwuanyanwu was a civil engineer, politician, philanthropist, businessman and statesman. He was until his death, the 11th president-general of Ọhanaeze Ndigbo, an Igbo socio-cultural organization. He took over the position after the death of Chief George Obiozor in 2023.
President Bola Tinubu was among prominent Nigerians who have extended their commiserations to the family of Chief Iwuanyanwu as well as government and people of Imo State, in a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President.
The President described the late Ọhanaeze leader “as an accomplished businessman and notable politician.”
The statement read in part: “President Tinubu condolences with the Imo State Government, the friends and associates of the deceased, and Ndi Igbo over this irreparable loss.
“The President affirms that Chief Iwuanyanwu will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy.
“President Tinubu prays for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and comfort to his family.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari also mourned Iwuanyanwu in a statement on Thursday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, the former President extended his condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, friends and associates, and the entire people of the South East.
The former president described Iwuanyanwu’s death as a sad event for the country and highlighted his contributions to journalism, sports, politics and nation-building.
“He was a visionary who revolutionised the nation’s media and sports. He made notable strides in the media industry, construction, sports, business, and politics.
“I had several opportunities to interact with him to learn about his passionate commitment to the unity, peaceful coexistence, and the development of Nigeria. His rich contributions have left indelible memories on the media, sports, politics, and business where he made extraordinary achievements.” the statement said.
Other politicians who extolled the virtues of the late elder statesman in various statements include, the former Abia State governor and senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, Enyi Abaribe, Theodore Ahamefule Orji and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ben Kalu.
Chief Iwuanyanwu was a man of many parts during his life time. He was a former military officer and strategist in the Biafran Army, consummate politician and business mogul whose tentacles spread to several chains of businesses. Thus he was credited to have made the capital of Imo, his home state, Owerri, the hub of his sprawling business empire.
Among his businessew are, Hardel & Enic Construction Company, Enic Advertising Ltd, Magil Industries Limited, National Post Newspapers, Sunrise Insurance Brokers and Oriental Airlines. All these businesses were considered his unparalleled contribution to Imo State where he’s arguably said to be the second employer of labour after the state government.
His newspaper, The Champion is a furnace that has forged a number of personalities who have risen to positions of pre-eminence in the later parts of their lives’ careers.
As a sport enthusiast, Iwuanyanwu founded the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club (now Heartland F.C.), which have won several national and international championships and produced many national and international football legends.
He was appointed the Chairman, National Sports Development Fund, and, Chairman, Nigerian Football Association USA “94” when Nigeria first participated in the global football event and also Cup of Nations Fund Raising Committee.
As a philanthropist he was reported to have given out over N10 billion (ten billion naira) towards charity through his Foundation; the Iwuanyanwu Foundation in the area of building of hospitals, University buildings,roads, Bridges, scholarship to over ten thousand Nigerians, Churches, remarkable amongst them is his donation of $2million (two million dollars) for the building of Imo State Airport and N1billion (one billion naira) for the building of Cathedral of St. Matthew Atta, Anglican Communion, Ikeduru, Imo State
The Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Alex Ogbonna while morning the late Organisation’s leader, described the of his death as a sad day.
“Today is a bad day for Ndigbo. It’s true! Ahaeji aga Mba is gone.
“Ohanaeze is yet to issue an official statement on the demise of our President General, Chief Iwuanyanwu, but he is gone,” he said.
Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu CFR was born on September 4th, 1942 in Atta, Ikeduru local government area of Imo State, Nigeria.
Chief Nwuanyanwu attended St. Patrick’s School, Rukpoku, Port Harcourt, Rivers State from 1948
to 1954. He thereafter, enrolled at New Bethel College in Onitsha, Anambra State. He had his undergraduate studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he studied civil engineering between 1963 and 1970.
His wife of more than 40 years, Lady Eudora Nnenna Ozinyereaku Iwuanyanwu, with whom he had three sons and five daughters died in August 2011, aged 63. She was described as “a critical success factor for her husband.” in 2013, he took a new wife, Frances Chinonyerem Iwuanyanwu (Nee Enwerem) with whom he lives happily with along with his older children and a little son Kamsi until his death.
Iwuanyanwu: Unforgettable Man of Many Parts
A legend who bestrode many parts of endeavours, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu will remain memorable. Gom Mirian writes
The passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the esteemed President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has left a profound void in the hearts of many. Born on September 4, 1942, and departing this world on July 25, 2024, Chief Iwuanyanwu’s life was a tapestry of remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to his community.
His son, Jide, on Thursday, shared the heartbreaking news of his father’s demise, revealing that the 82-year-old statesman succumbed to a brief illness in Abuja.
Known by the revered title of ‘Ahaejiagamba’, Chief Iwuanyanwu was not only a prominent Nigerian politician and businessman but also a beacon of hope and inspiration for the Igbo people.
As the 11th President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Iwuanyanwu followed in the footsteps of his predecessor, Prof. George Obiozor, who also passed away during his tenure.
This unfortunate parallel underscores the immense responsibility and challenges faced by leaders of such stature.
Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacy extends far beyond his political and business acumen. His contributions to various sectors, including real estate, manufacturing, and hospitality, have left an indelible mark on the economic landscape of Nigeria. As the Publisher of the Champion Newspapers, he wielded the power of media to inform and empower the masses.
Chief Iwuanyanwu’s philanthropic endeavors exemplified his deep-rooted commitment to social welfare and community development. From supporting education and healthcare initiatives to championing infrastructure projects, he embodied the spirit of giving back to society.
In the realm of politics, Chief Iwuanyanwu’s influence was palpable, having served as the Director General of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency and the pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Calabar. His strategic vision and leadership prowess earned him respect and admiration across party lines.
As we reflect on Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s remarkable life and legacy, we are reminded of the enduring impact of his selfless service and unwavering dedication to the betterment of his people. His memory will continue to inspire generations to come, urging us all to strive for excellence and compassion in our pursuits.
In honoring Chief Iwuanyanwu’s memory, we pay tribute to a true titan of Nigerian society, whose legacy will forever shine brightly in the annals of history.
