From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
In appreciation to his immense contributions in the development of Nigeria and her populace, especially Imo State, the State House of Assembly has advanced plans to immortalize late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the immediate past President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Worldwide.
Moving the Motion during Plenary on Wednesday, the Member Representing Mbaitoli State Constituency, Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie, described Iwuanyanwu popularly known as Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, who died in active service on the 25th of July 2024, while serving as the President General of the apex sociocultural organization in Igboland and President of Owerri People’s Assembly.
Ikpamezie further described the deceased as as a worthy son of Imo State and an international entrepreneur noting that he played significant role in national politics and sports.
“Ahaejiagamba’s philanthropic works in Nigeria, worth Billions of Naira and remain unforgettable, having provided good roads, water, homes for the destitute, as well as awarded scholarships to many students at secondary and university levels”.
He expressed gratitude that Iwuanyanwu used his positions in life to canvass for peace, unity and oneness of the Igbo race and unity of Nigeria, as a whole.
Ikpamezie listed Iwuanyanwu legacies to include, founder and financier of defunct Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club ( now known as Heartland F. C.), which won several National and International Championships.
That he was one time Chairman, National Sports Development Fund ; and Chairman, Nigerian Football Association (USA 94′) And Cup of Nations Fund Raising Committee, and that the deceased was at a time in history, the highest employer of labour in the entire East of the Niger.
Ikpamezie further observed that Iwuanyanwu floated a Foundation that offered Scholarships to over 10,000 indigent students across the country, with multiple donations to Universities, to create conducive environment for learning ; built Churches and Mosques and other community facilities on charity and as a philanthropist among other things.
According to him, “Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacies will live on for future generations, providing a clear pathway for those who genuinely want to succeed and make their life meaningful by perseverance, hard work and self belief, so that they too can leave their mark on the sands of time.
“The worth of a man is measured in personal successes attributable to him by those he affected positively. Ahaejiagamba came, saw and conquered. I personally benefited from him”.
The bill he said is supported by 8 other lawmakers as he appealed to his remaining colleagues to support the Motion.
In his remark, the Speaker of the Imo State House Of Assembly, Rt Honourable Chikezie Olemgbe noted that His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma had earlier put in Motion the necessary machinery to give Chief Iwuanyanwu a befitting burial.
Satisfied with contributions from the lawmakers, the Speaker put it to vote and it was unanimously adopted. :
In view of the unanimous acceptance, the Speaker said, “be It resolved by this House to urge His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma to Immortalize this great son of Imo State, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu by renaming the Imo International Conference Centre, IICC, after the deceased”.
The Clerk was directed, thereafter, to communicate the Resolution of the House to the Governor.
