By Jane Okafor, Abuja
The President – General of the Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has died.
Iwuanyanwu, an engineer, newspaper owner and business magnate has been out of circulation in the last couple of months.
The President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation was said to have died in Abuja on Thursday morning following a yet – to – be – determined kind of illness.
A statement on Thursday by Jide Iwuanyanwu, the son of the late Chief read;
“The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged 82. Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.”
The late business mogul and Politician was born in September, 1942 in Umuohii, Ikeduru LGA, Imo state. He studied Civil Engineering in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
He was the 11th leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. His funeral arrangements will be announced by his family soon.
He is survived by a wife and Children.
SGF Chairman, Prince Abiodun, Mourns Ohanaeze Ndigbo
…says death profound loss
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the death of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Nwuanyanwu, as a profound loss to the nation.
In a statement on Thursday, Prince Abiodun described the news of the death of the businessman, publisher, and politician as shocking.
The late businessman owned The Champion Newspapers. His business had also grown into a conglomerate of over 20 companies, including Enic Advertising Ltd; Magil Industries Limited; National Post Newspapers; Sunrise Insurance Brokers; Oriental Shipping Lines Limited; Paradise City Hotel, Calabar and Oriental Airlines.
Governor Abiodun said as President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people, Chief Nwuanyanwu worked tirelessly to preserve the unity of the country with his various, timely interventions at critical times when contentious issues were raging.
Abiodun said: “I received with shock, the news of the death of the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Nwuanyanwu. His passing at this critical time when his counselling as an elder statesman is needed is saddening.
“Chief Nwuanyanwu was a remarkable leader, statesman, and patriot who dedicated his life to promoting the unity, progress, and well-being of the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a whole.
“His contributions to fostering inter-ethnic harmony, peaceful co-existence, and mutual understanding between the diverse peoples of our country were huge.
“His death is a profound loss not only for the Igbo nation but Nigeria as a whole.
“Chief Nwuanyanwu’s legacy of selfless service, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our dear country will forever be remembered and celebrated.
“On behalf of the Southern Governors’ Forum, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Nwuanyanwu family, the Ohaneze Ndigbo family, the entire South-East region and Nigeria as a whole.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may God grant his loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“Once again, we mourn with you and pray that the Almighty God will console and comfort the South-East region during this difficult time.”
