Chukwudi Nwauba :
The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commiserated with Ndigbo over the death of the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo who was laid to rest on Friday.
President Tinubu attended the funeral service of late President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu held at the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew in Atta, Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State.
In his tribute, President Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, described Iwuanyanwu as a “true hero, visionary leader, and committed nationalist” who devoted his life to nation-building, unifying diverse communities, and uplifting the underprivileged.
According to him, Chief Iwuanyanwu embodied the values of service, and as a nationalist, championed unity and harmony across Nigeria’s cultural divides.
President Tinubu commending Iwuanyanwu’s leadership as President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo said his demise is a colossal loss to the nation while sympathizing with the bereaved family and urged them to take solace in God the giver of life.
The Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio commended Iwuanyanwu as a trailblazer whose achievements spanned business, politics, and social investments across Nigeria.
Sen. Enyinanya Abaribe who represented the Senate President noted that Iwuanyanwu pursued justice and equity with an unwavering nationalistic commitment during his time.
Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma applauded the support from South-East Governors in organizing the state funeral for the late Iwuanyanwu.
Gov. Uzodimma said Iwuanyanwu believed in a united Nigeria where Igbo people, alongside all tribes, could thrive in peace.
To honor his memory, the governor renamed the state’s new International Conference Centre after Iwuanyanwu.
Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba In 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.
Primate Ndukuba said there is urgent need to address the country’s leadership challenges urging the president to convene a National Conference so as 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.
The Bishop also appealed for unity among the Igbo people in choosing their next leader.
The lati Iwuanyanwu’s eldest son, Jidechukwu, expressed gratitude to the guests, particularly the President and South-East governors, for honoring his father’s legacy.
He said that his father was a man of great exploits, always guided by his faith in God.
Dignitaries who graced the event were, Governors Alex Otti of Abia, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje. Former Nigerian leaders, including Dame Patience Jonathan, Sen. Sam Anyanwu, Peter Obi, Emeka Ihedioha, Achike Udenwa, and Sen. Rochas Okorocha, Religious Leaders and Traditional Rulers.
