By Abbamobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
Nigeria’s 10th Senate has Wednesday honoured the late Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide President General (PG) , Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba), enjoining the Federal Government (FG) to immortalize him.
An illustrious son of Igbo people (Ndigbo), Iwuanyanwu, a statesman, distinguished businessman and politician passed – on, on July 25, 2024, at the age of 82.
Moved by representative of Imo East at the senate, Senator Francis Ezennwa, the senate urged the Federal Government (FG) to immortalize the late elder statesmen for his immense contributions to the nation’s development.
Still making case for immortalizing the late Ohaneze PG and describing him as pillar of Nigerian economy, politics, and media, Ezennwa added that untill his demise, Iwuanyanwu was a renowned businessman, patriot and philanthropist who gave selfless service to the country. His name, he went on was synonymous with integrity and nation-building.
While hailing the Igbo leader for founding Champion Newspapers, his philanthropic efforts through the Iwuanyanwu Foundation, and his leadership accumen, he noted that his leadership of Igbo socio -cultural organization was marked by his commitment to promoting unity, peace, and development across ethnic divides, describing him as a true nationalist.
Similarly, Senator Victor Umeh emphasized Iwuanyanwu’s peace-driven approach to leadership, by saying: “Chief Iwuanyanwu was a man of diplomacy who believed in building bridges across Nigeria. His contributions to both business and politics were rooted in a deep love for national unity,” Umeh stated, also noting Iwuanyanwu’s role in the aviation and media sectors.
Also, the Bauchi Central representative in the 10rh Senate, Abdul Ningi hailed Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to Nigerian sports, by founding Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, now Heartland FC. “Chief Iwuanyanwu was a passionate supporter of Nigerian sports. His efforts in football brought national pride and strengthened the unity of our people,” Ningi said, urging the federal government to honor him by naming a significant national structure after him.
However, the senator representing Abia North at the Senate, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, disclosed that the late Igbo leader’s legacy and guidance contributed to his (Kalu’s) success in business. He therefore joined in the calls for FG to immortalize Iwuanyanwu’s name.
Acknowledging influence of the deceased in his remark, Senate President Godswill Akpabio had this to say: “His contributions spanned business, media, politics, and sports, touching countless lives and uniting Nigerians from all walks of life. The Senate stands with his family and the entire nation in mourning his loss,” Akpabio said.
Observing a minute of silence in honor of the late statesman and resolving to send a special delegation to his burial, legislators of the 10th Senate enjoined the FG to immortalize late Ohaneze Ndigbo PG, seeking that a national monument or structure is named in his honor, in recognition of his contribution in nation development, among others.
