Tributes Pour in as Iwuanyanwu is Laid to Rest
Tony Icheku in Owerri
President Bola Tinubu yesterday praised the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as a “true hero, visionary leader, and committed nationalist” who devoted his life to nation-building, unifying diverse communities, and uplifting the underprivileged, describing his passing as “a colossal loss to the nation.”
“Chief Iwuanyanwu embodied the values of service, and as a nationalist, he championed unity and harmony across Nigeria’s cultural divides,” Tinubu said, at Iwuanyanwu’s funeral service which held at the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew in Atta, Ikeduru Local Government Area, of Imo State.
Tinubu was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the funeral ceremony which attracted political heavyweights across the country.
In his tribute, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, hailed Iwuanyanwu as a trailblazer whose achievements in business, politics, and social capital cannot be underestimated.
In his remarks, the chief host of the event, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma who renamed the state’s new International Conference Centre after Iwuanyanwu to honour him, lauded his fellow South-east governors for their contributions towards organising the state funeral for the late Ohanaeze chieftain.
Governor Uzodimma noted that Iwuanyanwu believed in a united Nigeria where Igbo people, alongside all tribes, could thrive in peace.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, who delivered a sermon titled ‘Serving the Purpose of God in Our Generation’, urged the nation’s leaders to live selflessly and work for the good of humanity.
He stressed the importance of addressing the country’s leadership challenges and called on the President to convene a national conference to create a new, people-focused constitution.
Most Rev. Ndukuba further urged Nigerians to focus on uplifting one another, urging President Tinubu to tackle the nation’s challenges boldly. “This is not a time for wealth display but for us to help one another,” he said.
In attendance at the burial ceremony were Governors Alex Otti of Abia, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje.
Former Nigerian leaders, including former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, Sen. Sam Anyanwu, Peter Obi, Emeka Ihedioha, Achike Udenwa, and Sen. Rochas Okorocha, joined in the celebration of Iwuanyanwu’s life. Traditional and religious leaders, along with other dignitaries, also attended to pay their respects.
Iwuanyanwu’s eldest son, Jidechukwu, who delivered the vote of thanks expressed gratitude to the President, the South-east governors, and other guests for honouring his father’s legacy.
“My father was a man of great exploits, always guided by his faith in God,” he submitted.
