President Bola Tinubu Friday hailed the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, as a visionary leader and commited nationalist.
During a funeral service at the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew in Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State, where dignitaries gathered to pay their respects, Tinubu hailed Iwuanyanwu as a “true hero, visionary leader, and committed nationalist,” who worked tirelessly to uphold the nation’s integrity.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu noted Iwuanyanwu’s lifelong dedication to uplifting communities and advocating for unity among diverse groups. He expressed condolences to Iwuanyanwu’s family, calling his passing a “colossal loss to the nation.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Iwuanyanwu as a “trailblazer” who made significant contributions in business, politics, and social justice, while Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s commitment to peace and unity in Nigeria.
Uzodimma announced the renaming of the new International Conference Centre to honor Iwuanyanwu for his services to humanity.
The service was attended by many dignitaries, including state governors and former political leaders.
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Archbishop Henry Ndukuba emphasized the need for integrity in leadership and called for national unity and investment in youth. He urged the president to lead initiatives for a new constitution to address the needs of all Nigerians.
“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.
Iwuanyanwu’s eldest son, Jidechukwu, expressed gratitude to attendees for their support and recognized his father’s enduring faith and impactful life.
God has always been with my father from time immemorial.
“He was a man of exploits, who always had faith in God,’’ he said.
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