The National Burial Committee for the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President of Ohanaeze Ndịgbo, has confirmed that high powered Nigerians and international personalities would grace the burial slated for 1st November, at Atta Ikeduru in Imo State.
Speaking on behalf of High Chief (Sen.) Ben Obi, Chairman of the National Burial Committee in Abuja, Friday, the chairman of the Publicity Subcommittee, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, states that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, National Leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, notable international personalities and top federal and state government officials will be in attendance.
He also said that Igbo leaders would use the occasion to host a Colloquium on the life and times of Chief Iwuanyanwu, targeted at Igbo youths, aimed at rejuvenating the Spirit of industry and hardwork, the Hallmark of an average Igbo personality.
Prof. Ikechukwu noted that the national burial committee has been criss-crossing parts of the country, meeting various groups, including former leaders of the country, including ethnic nationalities like the Afenifere, Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Middle Belt Forum, the Arewa communities, the academia and a host of other groups towards galvanising their efforts towards giving Chief Iwuanyanwu a befitting butial.
“Several international and national personalities and groups have already confirmed attendance at the burial. Some have equally sent in their apologies, saying they won’t be there physically due to scheduled appointments,, but most of them have sent in condolence letters which we have noted with immense gratitude.
“The South-East Governors, national stakeholders and the Diaspora committee are working so hard to give Aha Eji Agamba a befitting burial.
“The federal government has been informed about his burial, the National Assembly and the entire gamut is involved but their level of involvement will become clearer as the days come nearer.
“President Bola Tinubu has already sent in a condolence message, which is not mere platitudes because the President knows Chief Iwuanyanwu very well, Prof. Ikechukwu stated.
They commended Nigerians and the global community for their outpouring of love and affection on Chief Iwuanyanwu, pointing out that the late Ohanaeze president left positive imprints which young Igbos and the Nigerian youths should emulate.
He listed Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacies as a publisher and owner of the Champion media conglomerate, Oriental Airlines Ltd, Construction companies and Housing estates through which he empowered thousands of Nigerians.
“Not only through what he did in the establishment of Champion newspapers, where he took the industry to an all time high during its debut, he equally created new paradigms in the aviation sector. His donation of $2 million towards the construction of the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, Imo State and his investments in Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, which was among the best football clubs in the country, among others, distinguished him as one personality who saw tomorrow.
“As a matter of fact, one can safely say that Chief Iwuanyanwu was one President Nigeria never had,” Prof. Ikechukwu stressed.
He reminded that 16th Octoberhas been slated as a Day of Tribute at Eko Hotel and Suits, 18th will host same event at the National Christian (Ecumenical) Center, Abuja, while 26th October will see the arrival of Chief Iwuanyanwu’s remains at the Enugu headquarters of the Ohanaeze Ndịgbo and a brief burial ceremony at the Okpara Square, Enugu.
In Owerri, Imo State on the 29th October and 1st November, his body will join his ancestors at his Atta Ikeduru home.
Also speaking, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Chief Chris Isiguzo, noted that Nigeria lost “a leader, a nationalist, a national icon” and pledged the support of Nigerian journalists to the cause of his burial.
Isiguzo states that he was not surprised that Obasanjo and Adebanjo are showing interest in the burial and reassured of the preparedness and necessary support of Nigerian journalists to see that Iwuanyanwu is given a befitting burial of his status.
