President Bola Tinubu on Friday led a gathering of distinguished dignitaries to pay final respects to the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, at a funeral service held at the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew in Atta, Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State.
Notable attendees included Governors Alex Otti of Abia and Peter Mbah of Enugu, along with the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje. Former leaders and prominent figures such as Dame Patience Jonathan, Sen. Sam Anyanwu, Peter Obi, Emeka Ihedioha, Achike Udenwa, and Sen. Rochas Okorocha were present to celebrate Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to the nation and Igbo community.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other dignitaries also gathered to honor the late leader.
Representing President Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, described Iwuanyanwu as a “true hero, visionary leader, and committed nationalist,” commending his lifetime dedication to nation-building, unity among diverse communities, and efforts to uplift the underprivileged.
The late Iwuanyanwu, a revered Igbo leader, businessman, and philanthropist, was praised by many as a pillar of unity and advocacy for the Igbo people and Nigerian development.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu embodied the values of service, and as a nationalist, he championed unity and harmony across Nigeria’s cultural divides,” Tinubu said, commending Iwuanyanwu’s leadership as President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo. He described his passing as “a colossal loss to the nation” and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, hailed Iwuanyanwu as “a trailblazer” whose achievements spanned business, politics, and social investments. Akpabio emphasized that Iwuanyanwu pursued justice and equity with an unwavering nationalistic commitment.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma lauded the support from South-East governors in organizing the state funeral. Reflecting on Iwuanyanwu’s legacy, Uzodimma said, “He believed in a united Nigeria where Igbo people, alongside all tribes, could thrive in peace.” To honour his memory, the governor renamed the state’s new International Conference Centre after Iwuanyanwu.
In a sermon titled “Serving the Purpose of God in Our Generation,” Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, urged the nation’s leaders to live selflessly and work for the good of humanity.
He highlighted 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.
He urged Nigerians to focus on uplifting one another, calling on 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. He also encouraged unity among the Igbo people in choosing their next leader.
In his vote of thanks, Iwuanyanwu’s eldest son, Jidechukwu, expressed gratitude to the guests, particularly the president and South-East governors, for honoring his father’s legacy. “My father was a man of great exploits, always guided by his faith in God,” he said.
