By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo.
The paramount ruler and Eze Ndigbo I of Taraba His Royal Highness (HRH) Igwe Wilfred Ibe has described the death of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as a great loss.
The late Chief, Engr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu was laid to rest on Friday, November 1st in his country home, Atta in Ikeduru local government area of Imo state.
Igwe Wilfred Ibe who spoke with our correspondent in Jalingo yesterday over the late sage, said chief Iwuanyanwu was a beacon of hope, a pan-Nigerian icon and a dedicated voice of Ndigbo.
According to the royal father, the late president general’s legacy lives on in his many accomplishments more especially on his support for the youth in sports, his relentless drive for industrial growth and his tireless advocacy for social justice pointing out that his generosity leadership impacted lives and inspired all who crossed his path.
The Eze Igbo noted the death of the 11th president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide has created a vacuum in the entire Igbo race but expressed gratitude to God that chief Iwuanyawu died as a hero whose legacies will be difficult to erase. “I’m happy that his contribution cut across the entire nation, today Igbos all over the world including Taraba are mourning him and we thank God for his life worthy of emulation”.
In his advice, Igwe Wilfred Ibe asked Ndigbo to brace up as the death of chief Iwuanyawu was not only divine, but should be seen as a celebration of life for Igbo respected leader who preaches peace and unity throughout his life.
Also on its part, a prominent Igbo philanthropist and a business guru, chief Uche Obi who did not hide his feelings described late chief Iwuanyawu as a rare gen whose legacies cut across Igbo land and beyond.
According to chief obi, the late Ohanaeze Igbo president general deserve respect from all Igbos both home and in Diaspora noting that upon his burial all shops and businesses belonging to Igbo persons should be closed for one day as mark of respect to number one citizen of Ndigbo.
The business guru while urging Igbos and the immediate family to take heart over the demise of late chief Iwuanyanwu also called on the south-east region to emulate him.
Chief Obi appreciated the Imo state government for immortalizing chief Iwuanyanwu by renaming the international conference center Owerre after his name.
