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Tag: Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu

  • Family of late Iwuanyanwu reacts to viral claim of denying wife from remarrying

    Family of late Iwuanyanwu reacts to viral claim of denying wife from remarrying

    Executors of the last will and testament of the late president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, have dismissed the reports claiming that the respected businessman included a clause in his will, barring his wife, Frances Iwuanyanwu, from remarrying.

    Earlier reports claimed that late Iwuanyanwu had included a controversial clause in his will which demanded the widow to forfeit her inheritance, including the Legacy House in Owerri and business assets like Magil Furniture if she chose to remarry.

    The claim, sparked public outrage, with many criticising the supposed condition as patriarchal and unjust.

    Clarifying, the executors in a statement on Monday, July 7th described this claim as “entirely false” and intended to tarnish the memory and legacy of the elder statesman. “We want to state unequivocally, and for the record, that this claim is entirely false and aimed at bringing disrepute to our revered departed statesman and degrading his generational legacies,” the statement read.

    They stressed that there is no mention in the will that restricts Frances from remarrying. “Such an assertion is not only factually incorrect but also deeply disrespectful to his memory and the legacy of love, dignity, and truth for which he lived and died,” they noted.

    The statement which was signed by Rev. Emmanuel Maduwike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Lemmy Akakem, and Bon Unachukwu also mentioned that the viral reports lack any proof or connection to actual facts.

    “We have observed with understandable dismay the circulation of false and misleading reports in the media… suggesting that Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu included in his Will a restriction barring Chief (Mrs.) Frances Iwuanyanwu from remarrying among other unfounded narratives.”

    The executors also faulted what they described as “speculation, half-truths, and tone-deaf commentary,” and urged the public to respect the mourning period of the family.

    “It is both painful and unfortunate that during this period of mourning, when the family of our revered, departed statesman should be allowed peace and privacy, some individuals have chosen to exploit their grief by peddling sensationalism and distortion for cheap publicity,” they said.

    They further explained that the will was a private document prepared with “care, love, and deep thoughtfulness” not only for the family but for causes close to the late Iwuanyanwu’s heart.

    “Our revered departed statesman was a man of great Christian faith, filled with compassion, honour, and integrity… His legacy of philanthropy, deeply rooted in his Christian values, was never for public display but for the service of God and humanity.”

    The executors pledged to preserve his legacy through the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Foundation and ensure that his young son is raised in the values he stood for.

  • Tinubu leads tribute as Ohanaeze chieftain, Iwuanyanwu is laid to rest

    Tinubu leads tribute as Ohanaeze chieftain, Iwuanyanwu is laid to rest

    President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, led other prominent Nigerians to pay tribute to the late President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, at a funeral service in his honour.

    Dignitaries from different walks of life converged on the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew, Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo, venue of the church service.

    In a tribute, Tinubu described Iwuanyanwu as a “true hero, visionary leader and committed nationalist,” who distinguished himself preserving the nation’s territorial integrity.

    “In his lifetime, Iwuanyanwu dedicated himself and his God-endowed resources in several endeavours to uplifting 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 further said that Iwuanyanwu’s leadership as the 11th President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo was signposted by general acceptability, collaboration and unity.

    Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, commiserated with the family of the late icon, describing his death as “a colossal loss to the nation”.

    The president assured Nigerians that his administration had taken bold economic steps to secure the future of Nigerian children.

    Also, the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, described Iwuanyanwu as “a trail blazer”, who recorded outstanding successes in the facets of business, politics, social and economic investments.

    Akpabio, represented by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, said as Ohaneze Ndigbo leader, Iwuanyanwu never ignored a national cause to make Nigeria a better place.

    “He pursued issues of justice and equity with a nationalistic consciousness,” Akpabio said.

    In a remark, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo commended governors of the South-East for providing leadership and resources towards the successful burial of the late elder statesman.

    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 peace maker, life saver, selfless leader, a compassionate father, grandfather and husband,” Uzodimma said.

    The governor renamed the new ultramodern International Conference Centre after the late nationalist, as part of the initiatives to immortalise him.

    In a sermon, the Archbishop, Primate and Metropolitan of all Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, 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 that part of the will of God is for man to labour in dignity, live a life of salvation, and serve God and humanity.

    He said that Nigeria was facing crisis of confidence in its leadership, both the religious and political leaders.

    “I am ashamed that where 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,” he said.

    He called for investment in youths and admonished Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies.

    He called on the president to convene a conference of all citizens that would produce a new Constitution for the country.

    Ndukuba also 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.

    “He should be a man of faith, who will not be bought over but stand and speak fearlessly in defence of the people.

    “The issue of Ndigbo must be brought to the table and addressed. We can’t be preaching peace when there is injustice,” he said.

    In a vote of thanks, Iwuanyanwu’s eldest son, Jidechukwu, thanked the guests, especially the president and South-East governors, for identifying with their family and coming to pay their last respect to their father.

    “God has always been with my father from time immemorial. He was a man of exploits, who always had faith in God,’’ he said.

    Some of the 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.

    Others were the National Secretary of PDP, Sen. Sam Anyanwu, former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, former Governors of Imo – Emeka Ihedioha, Achike Udenwa, and Sen. Rochas Okorocha.

    Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Imo, Dr Chinyere Ekomaru, Secretary-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Okey Emuchay, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.).

    Also present were Sen. Osita Izunaso, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, Deputy Governors of Anambra and Ebonyi, traditional and religious leaders, amongst other eminent Nigerians.

  • Tributes: Notable Nigerians extol late Iwuanyanwu

    Tributes: Notable Nigerians extol late Iwuanyanwu

    Some notable Nigerians have described the late President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as a “quintessential statesman” who committed and devoted his life to the pursuit of peace and progress in Nigeria.

    They paid their tributes during the Service of Songs held in honor of the late President General in Enugu on Saturday.

    Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State, in his tribute, described Iwuanyanwu as ‘an Iroko’, whose exit would be greatly felt across the country, especially in Igbo land.

    “Iwuanyanwu raised himself, a towering example of generosity, courage and wisdom. Known as a bridge builder, he stretched his hands across communities and creed; thus, fostering unity in our troubled times.

    “For me, the sense of loss in the loss of Iwuanyanwu evokes, is not such that time will heal. His love for Ndigbo and strong devotion to Nigeria were not mutually exclusive.  He has indeed proved that you could adore your tribe and country in equal measure,” he said.

    Prof Uche Azikiwe, the widow of Nnamdi Azikiwe, first President of Nigeria, noted that Iwuanyanwu was unique in many ways, adding that he was a trailblazer.

    Azikiwe said the late Igbo leader charted a part for younger generations of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists from civil engineering to newspaper publishing.

    “The iconic leader demonstrated foresight, courage and the definitive can-do-spirit of the Igbo man. His capacity to create was only matched by his capacity to give,” she said.

    The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Okey Emuchey, noted that Iwuanyanwu was a quintessential statesman, an iconic pan-Nigerian and national colossus.

    “Until his departure, our leader remained an absolute patriot who devoted his life for the pursuit of the peace and progress of Ndigbo and Nigeria,” he said.

    Speaking, Chief Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, President-General of Ohanaeze Youth Wing, said that Iwuanyanwu revived and sustained the youth wing to be vibrant and “to be a voice”.

    Okpalaezeukwu said that being a lover of youths and their aspiration to grow; Iwuanyanwu would also carry the youths along and advised Ohanaeze youths on the right path to any issue.

    “Iwuanyanwu remains a father to us all, a role model, an achiever to be emulated and a passionate leader that seeks the growth and uplift of youths.

    Umuada Igbo, an umbrella body of Igbo daughters in the South-East, Delta and Rivers States, called on South-East states governments to immortalise late the President-General.

    The President General, Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora, Chief Kate Ezeofor, said that Iwuanyanwu was a great son of Igbo Land who lived and died in the service of his people.

    “Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide worked closely with Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora.

    “As Umuada Igbo, we are making passionate appeals to the governments of South-East States to immortalise Chief Iwuanyanwu in different ways.

    “In addition, we ask the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to immortalise Chief Iwuanyanwu for he was an authentic Nigerian patriot who made innumerable contributions in various sectors,” she said.

    The funeral rites for the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, commenced on Saturday, October 26. Iwuanyanwu, who died on July 25, will be buried on November 1, 2024. He was aged 82.

  • Obasanjo, South East Govs, Adebanjo to attend Iwuanyanwu’s burial

    Obasanjo, South East Govs, Adebanjo to attend Iwuanyanwu’s burial

    Ahead of the burial of the late President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Sen Ben Obi, head, burial Planning Committee said prominent Nigerians have indicated interest to attend the ceremony.

    He said that ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo, and the five south eastern governors along with foremost Yoruba leader, Ayo Adebanjo, among others, would be present during the event.

    The late entrepreneur and politician would be buried on November 1 at his country home at Attah, Imo State.

    Obi, while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Saturday, said governors from the five south eastern states had also reaffirmed their support.

    Obi, who was represented at the event by Prof. Ike Ikechukwu, Chairman of Media Sub-committee, said the needed sensitisation was ongoing.

    “We have continued with the needed sensitisation of respected elder statesmen and women, as well stakeholders friends and well-wishers within and outside the country.

    “The South East governors, in their last meeting, reaffirmed their resolve to give our leader the befitting and dignified exit rites he deserves.

    “This is in addition to the support of national stakeholders and a diaspora community that is currently organizing and projecting other activities in honour of Ahaejiagamba.”

    “As indicated in our earlier exchanges with the media, the series of activities lined up for this purpose will end with his final interment on the 1st of November, 2024”, he said.

    Obi described Iwuanyanwu as a gift by God to Ndigbo, the country and to the world in general who 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,” he said.

    The President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Chris Isiguzo, described the late Igbo leader as a worthy Nigerian who should be celebrated by all.

    Isiguzo said that the late elder statesman, was the best president Nigeria never had.

    He described Iwuanyanwu as a patriotic Nigerian who impacted positively on the lives of many Nigerians.

  • A deeply patriotic Nigerian who always gave me useful advise – Obi mourns Iwuanyanwu

    A deeply patriotic Nigerian who always gave me useful advise – Obi mourns Iwuanyanwu

    The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour party (LP) Peter Obi has expressed sorrow over the death of the president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, describing it as devastating and heartbreaking.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the 82-year-old died after a brief illness on Thursday, his son confirmed.

    Mourning the businessman in a post on X, Obi said: “I am greatly disheartened by the death of an elder statesman and President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. The devastating report of his death has left all who knew him heartbroken.”

    Eulogising Iwuanyanwu, Obi said: “He was not just a father to many, but a bridge builder who remained committed to the peaceful coexistence of all groups in the nation. He was undoubtedly a deeply patriotic Nigerian whose desire for justice, equity, progress and development of the nation transcended tribal boundaries. Chief Iwuanyanwu was one of those revered father figures who have always given me useful advice.”

    Obi said he recalled visiting him at the hospital on July 11 with the secretary-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Okey Emuchey. The Labour Party leader said Iwuanyanwu promised him that he would recover from the ailment.

    “I sincerely condole with his immediate family, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the entire nation over the death of this revered patriarch. May God grant us all the fortitude to bear his sad loss and grant him eternal rest,” Obi added.

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo reacts as Buhari, Tinubu mourn Iwuanyanwu

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo reacts as Buhari, Tinubu mourn Iwuanyanwu

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari has described the passing  of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President-General of the Ohanaeze Igbo, as a great loss to the country.

    Buhari, in a condolence message  by his media aide,, Mallam Garba Shehu, on Thursday ,said that the late Igbo leader left indelible memories.

    The former Nigerian leader highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to journalism, sports, politics and nation-building.

    “He was a visionary who revolutionized 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 know 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.

    “My condolences to his family, friends and associates and the entire people of the South-East. His death is a loss to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Buhari said.

    Iwuanyanwu died  on  Thursday in Abuja, aged 82 ,after a brief illness.

    Tinubu mourns Iwuanyanwu

    President Bola Tinubu has extended his commiserations to the family of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who died on Thursday.

    Iwuanyanwu, who was President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, died after a brief illness, at the age of 82

    Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, described the late Iwuanyanwu as an accomplished businessman and notable politician.

    “President Tinubu condoles 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,” the statement read.

    Iwuanyanwu, most outstanding Igbo leader – Ohanaeze mourns

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described its late President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as one of the most outstanding Igbo leader.

    This is contained in a statement by the Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, on Thursday in Enugu.

    Ogbonnia said it was with a deep shock and sorrow that the group received the sad news of the passing of one of the most outstanding Igbo Leader,  Iwuanyanwu,

    According to him, the sad news was broken by Iwuanyanwu’s son, Mr Jude Iwuanyanwu, who said that his father died on July 25 after a brief illness at the age of 82.

    He said Iwuanyanwu assumed office as the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on April 30, 2023, adding that he was the ninth leader of the Igbo group since its inception in 1976.

    “Evidently, each leader or President General has one remarkable or distinctive characteristic for which he is often remembered.

    “While other past leaders had limited their perspectives on Nigerian contemporary issues, Ahaejiagamba as Iwuanyanwu was fondly called introduced strategic and visionary dimension to the modus operandi of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    “In the first place, he had a towering personality with an impressive record as one of the most successful business men in Nigeria,” he said.

    He added that the late Igbo leader deployed his prodigious intellect, political, administrative and political acumen, vast knowledge and invaluable contacts in the selfless service of Ndigbo.

    The publicity secretary said the transformative leader lifted Ohanaeze Ndigbo far from its familiar habitat and provenance to an enviable pedestal.

    “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, mobilizer and  harmonizer 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,” Ogbonnia said.

    The publicity secretary described a sad denouement for the Igbo that both Prof. George Obiozor and  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, and later, His Majesty, Igwe Chike Edozien, Dr Sylvester Ebiwei, Prof. Joe Irukwu, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, amongst others,” he decried.

    He said that Iwuanyanwu was 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 at least in the entire East of the Niger.

    “His trajectory was an admonition to the present day selfish and mundane leaders who perceived legacy as leaving enormous wealth behind for one’s offsprings; rather, it was  about laying invaluable foundation among the populace, especially for younger generations.

    “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,” he prayed.

  • What Peter Obi, Soludo, Mbah said about passing of Iwuanyanwu

    What Peter Obi, Soludo, Mbah said about passing of Iwuanyanwu

    Former Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has reacted to the death of the President General of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, describing it as “devastating”.

    Obi, who reacted to the death in his X handle on Thursday, disclosed that he was greatly disheartened by the death of the elder statesman.

    According to him, the devastating report of his death has left all who knew him heartbroken.

    “When I visited him a few weeks ago, he promised me that he would soon be alright to continue with his contributions to the progress of the nation.

    “Since then, I continued to pray for his quick and full recovery, untill I received the sad news of his death.

    “I sincerely condole with his immediate family, the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide and entire nation over the death of this revered patriarch.

    ”May God grant us all the fortitude to bear his sad loss and grant him eternal rest,” he prayed.

    The renowned Igbo leader and politician died on Thursday morning, following a brief illness, family sources have said.

    Gov. Soludo mourns Iwuanyanwu

    Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State on Thursday expressed sadness over the death of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

    In a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Christian Aburime, Soludo described Iwuanyanwu’s death as a monumental loss not only to his immediate family and the Igbo nation but to Nigeria as a whole.

    Recall Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday at the age of 82 after a brief illness.

    The governor said that Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria were immeasurable.

    According to the governor, as the publisher of the Champion Newspapers and owner of several other businesses, Iwuanyanwu’s entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic endeavours left an enduring legacy in the country.

    Soludo said Chief Iwuanyanwu was a distinguished elder statesman, notable patriot, renowned businessman, a personal mentor and a great supporter.

    “He was an influential figure whose life and wise counsel were a tribute to exceptional leadership, patriotism and steadfast dedication to the progress of the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a country.

    “As the 11th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, he provided exemplary leadership, fostering unity, and championing the interests of Ndigbo, even while building bridges of peace across Nigeria,”he said.

    The governor extended his condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and associates of Chief Iwuanyanwu, Ndigbo and the nation.

    He prayed that his soul rest in peace as God grants the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

    Iwuanyanwu: A great Iroko has fallen, says Gov Mbah

    Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has expressed grief over the death of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

    “A great iroko has fallen,” Mbah said in Enugu on Thursday.

    He described Iwuanyanwu’s death as an incalculable loss to Ndigbo and Nigeria in general.

    The governor said Iwuanyanwu was unapologetically Igbo, yet a consummate nationalist and quintessential statesman.

    He said that the pan-Nigerian gave his all in service to the nation and to the Igbo race.

    “I received with a deep sense of grief the shocking news of the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, 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,” Mbah said.

    He said that in politics, the Igbo leader was no less remarkable as his views were candid and unpretentious, but never divisive.

    “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.

    “Rest in peace, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo,” he prayed.

    My father was a man of many parts – Iwuanyanwu’s son

    Mr Jide Iwuanyanwu, the first son of the late elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed on Thursday morning, has described his father as a man of many parts.

    Jide disclosed this in a statement containing a brief biography of the President-General of the apex-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

    In the statement made available to newsmen in Owerri, he described the deceased as “a renowned Nigerian businessman, politician, and traditional leader”.

    He stated: “Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was born on September 4, 1942, in Umunakanu, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo.

    “He hails from a humble background and is the first child of his parents.

    “He attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, Umunakanu, and later proceeded to St. Peter’s Secondary School, Umuguma.

    “He furthered his education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated with a degree in Economics.”

    Jide further stated that the late Igbo leader started his business career as a trader in the 1960s.

    According to him, Iwuanyanwu ventured into various sectors, including construction, manufacturing and publishing.

    “He is the founder and chairman of Champion Newspapers Limited, publishers of Champion newspapers.

    “He also owns other businesses, including construction companies, manufacturing firms and real estate investments,” Jide added.

    He explained that Iwuanyanwu joined active politics in the 1980s and was a member of the National Party of Nigeria and later joined the Peoples Democratic Party.

    “He has held various political positions, including being a member of the state House of Assembly (1983-1985), Commissioner for Works and Housing (1985-1987),” he stated.

    He further stated that Iwuanyanwu contested for the Imo East Senatorial District in 1992.

    Jide also described his father as “a respected traditional leader in Igboland,” who was conferred with several chieftaincy titles, including Eze Udo 1 of Umunakanu, and Ochiagha Ndigbo, amongst others.

    He said that he received numerous awards and honours for “his contributions to business, politics, and traditional leadership”.

    He listed some of the awards to include Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic and Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law from the Imo State University.

    He added that the deceased was a devout Catholic, who engaged in philanthropic activities throughout his life.

    Jide said that Iwuanyanwu died at the age of 82, following a brief illness, and was survived by his wife, Frances, children and grand-children.

    He said that the date of his burial would be announced by the family after due consultation.

    Iwuanyanwu indicated his aspiration to vie for the President on the platform of the United Nigeria Congress Party in 1997.

    He succeeded the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, late Amb. George Obiozor, who died in December 2022.

  • Ohanaeze reacts over killings in South-East

    Ohanaeze reacts over killings in South-East

    The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has said that his heart bleeds as a result of the killings in Igboland.

    Iwuanyanwu disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Enugu.

    He said, “My heart bleeds at the sad events in Igboland where Igbos are killing fellow Igbos.

    “I am equally very distressed by the rate at which the Nigerian security operatives are killed not only in Igboland but all over the country.

    “Worse still is the suspected reprisal attack where innocent Igbo sons and daughters from Mbano in Imo state have found their lives and means of livelihood completely destroyed.

    This situation, he said, is completely unacceptable to him, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and “Indeed unacceptable to all honest, right-thinking and patriotic Nigerians.

    “I condemn it in strong terms,” the Igbo leader said.

    He said he would be sending a team immediately, under the Chairmanship of C. J. Ihemedu, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Imo State Chapter, to give him a comprehensive report on the matter.

    “I call on the Federal Government to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime and make sure they face the law.

    “I also urge the Federal Government to put in place necessary security measures to forestall the reoccurrence of this sad event,” he said.

    He noted that similar incidents had occurred in all the states of Southeast, adding that as at now there seemed to be no solution as the matter is even getting worse.

    “Ohanaeze Ndigbo is right now undertaking a total transformation of Igboland and by this transformation, more job opportunities will be created in the zone for school leavers; and infrastructure for business men and women.

    “I wish, on behalf of all Igbos worldwide, to express our deep sympathy to the families of the security men who were gruesomely murdered.

    “We also sympathise with our people in Mbano whose shops and houses were destroyed during the reprisal attack.

    “I pray the Almighty God to take control of events in Igboland so that we will once more enjoy peace, happiness and prosperity in our land,” Iwuanyanwu said.

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo makes case over appointments by Tinubu

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo makes case over appointments by Tinubu

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, has demanded justice, fairness and equity from President Bola Tinubu over appointments into his cabinet.

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide said they are disturbed over the current appointment of Ministers by President Tinubu, in which South-East had only five ministers while other zones had nine and even 10 ministers.

    Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Thursday in Enugu State.

    According to Iwuanyanwu, Ohanaeze Ndigbo feels that it is unfair and unjust as they believe in one united Nigeria which can only be achieved in an atmosphere of fairness, justice and equity.

    “We therefore demand justice, fairness and equity for every ethnic group in Nigeria including the Igbo.

    “Recall that the states and geopolitical zones were created by the military administrations. All honest Nigerians know that the Igbo did not play much part during this exercise.

    “As a result, the South-East was shortchanged with five states while other zones have minimum of six states.

    He added that the situation had placed the South East in a very difficult position, politically, economically and socially.

    “Our political power has been reduced as we have a few senators and also in the House of Representatives; governors, house of assembly and local governments,” he said.

    The president general added that in federal revenue allocation, the region was denied the revenue that came on the basis of states as well as federal board appointments and other resource distributions which they were strategically shortchanged.

    “We wish to observe that this situation was not caused by the current administration but we however, appeal to His Excellency, Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to help us remedy the situation and restore justice, equity and fairness in Nigeria.

    “We pray the Almighty to bless and prosper our country, Nigeria and give our leaders the wisdom and knowledge to steer the ship of Nigerian nation to peace, happiness and prosperity for all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity, creed and political persuasion,” he prayed.

  • Ohanaeze calls on president Buhari to release Nnamdi Kanu before leaving office

    Ohanaeze calls on president Buhari to release Nnamdi Kanu before leaving office

    Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.

    Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu the new President-General of the apex Igbo socio-political group made the appeal on Thursday.

    He spoke at the flag-off of the pre-dredging and hydrographic survey of the proposed sea access route of the Urashi-Oguta waterways through Degema to the Atlantic Ocean.

    “Please, finally, our vice president, tell our brother and son, Buhari, that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo – the over 60 million Igbos – request that he should release Nnamdi Kanu,” he said at the event in Oguta, Imo

    According to him, President Buhari should go do it “before he departs” office on May 29th, 2023, noting that the Igbo nation will be “very grateful” if that is done.

    He also dispelled fears that Igbos want to leave the country.

    “Igbos are not seceding. I don’t see why anybody will say Igbos are seceding. Igbos are everywhere. We have investments. Are we going to leave our investments?” the Ohanaeze chief argued during the occasion.

    Chief Iwuanyanwu also lauded Buhari for his love for the South-East which is reflected in the number of Federal Government projects in the region.

    “I would like the vice president, when you go, tell Buhari we are very grateful. When he took office we were not happy, we complained. But today, at the point of departure, things have changed,” he noted.

    “I can see that in most states a lot has been done. Here in Imo state, a lot has been done for us. So, I would like you to tell our son, Buhari, that we are very grateful. And I want Buhari to realize that he is an Igbo son, an honorary Igbo man.

    “He has been honoured by some Igbo states. I think Imo State has honoured him, and Ebonyi has honoured him. Chieftancy title in Igbo land is taken very seriously. You have to help us tell Buhari that he is an Igbo son, he is a member of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo by this honour given to him and what I am speaking here today, I am also speaking on his behalf.

    “We are very grateful for what he has done, but before he goes, whatever he can do to bring this project to succeed will be highly appreciated.”