By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide on Thursday described it’s late President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR (Ahaejiagamba) as a gift to Nigeria.
Chairman of the National Burial Committee, Senator Ben Ndi Obi CON (Ojeligbo), stated this at a press conference to announce burial activities of the late politician and businessman.
Obi said Iwuanyanwu’s exploit in aviation, sports, media and other sectors of the economy cannot be forgotten in the country, lamenting that Nigeria has lost a great nation builder.
Senator Obi said the burial activities of the late leader, philanthropist, business mogul, people’s general, elder statesman will begin Wednesday, October 16th 2024 to end with his final interment on the the 1st of November, 2024.
The burial committee chairman said, with the personality of late Iwuanyanwu, his burial programme was planned in a way that would enable Nigerians pay him their last respect.
journey.
“We are pleased to announce the detailed plans for the funeral rites of our dear leader, which will span across several days to allow people from all parts of the country to pay their final respects.
“The funeral programme will commence on Wedensday, October 16 2024, with a Day of Tributes in Lagos. This event will bring together leaders from all walks of life – political, business, religious, and cultural sectors – to reflect on Chief Iwuanyanwu’s immense contributions to the development of Nigeria and the Igbo people in particular.
“On Friday October 18th 2024 a Day of tributes will be held in Abuja, the nation’s capital. This solemn event will allow friends, colleagues, and dignitaries in the federal capital territory to honour the life of a man whose vision and leadership were pivotal in shaping the course of national discourse.
“Following this, on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, Chief Iwuanyanwu’s body will arrive in Enugu State en-route Owerri, where a grand reception will hold first, at the OHANEZE Headquatres and then The Micheal Okpara Square in Enugu. These events will showcase the rich Igbo culture and heritage that Chief Iwuanyanwu championed throughout his life.
“The climax of the funeral rites will take place on *Tuesday 29th , October, 2024, beginning with a Commendation Service at the Owerri. After the service, his body will be conveyed to his hometown, Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area, for a final Funeral Service and Interment on the 1st of November 2024.
“Let me at this juncture express the deepest gratitude of this committee to the 5 South East Governors led by The Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the South east Governors forum, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and the Governors of Enugu, Anambra, Abia and Ebonyi states, for their immense commitment to this funeral.
“In line with Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacy of unity, the committee is ensuring that all events are inclusive, dignified, and accessible to all who wish to pay their last respects. We appreciate the continued support and ask for your prayers as we honour a great man who has left an indelible mark on our nation”.
Obi further said both the federal government and the state will be involved in the burial of the late Igbo leader, adding that Igbo organisation would seek the immotalisation of its late President.
Speaking also, the Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Okey Emeuche, said the late icon sort the release of Nnamdi Kalu and the restructuring of the country, where all zones will be treated fairly and equally, the agitation he said the Ohaneze leader never regretted, and will not even in death.
He said the late Igbo leader stood for justice, fairness, equity, peace and development for the south east in particular and Nigeria as a whole, maintaining that Iwuanyanwu has left a very huge vacuum behind.
