Sanwo-Olu, Anyaoku, religious leaders hail Iwuanyanwu’s legacy

Group Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Champion Newspapers, Dr. Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa (middle) flanked by her husband Pastor Uche Iheakanwa (left) and Mr. Jide Iwuanyanwu at the Service of Songs/Night of Tributes for Chief Iwuanyanwu in, Lagos.

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Secretary General of Commonwealth Emeka Anyanwu and other notable Nigerians have eulogised late President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo World. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. 

They honoured Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba 1 of Igboland), who died on July 25 at 82 at a service of songs and night of tributes in, Lagos.

Amongst prominent Nigerians who graced the occasion were former Ogun Governor Aremo Segun Osoba; Senator Ben Obi; former Chief of General Staff Ubitu Ukiwe; Prof. Anya O Anya; Publisher of Vanguard, Sam Amuka Pemu; Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa; Chief Chika Okafor, Otunba Ganiyu Adams, Prof. Anya O. Anya and one time Chief of Naval Staff, retired Admiral Allison Madueke.

Speaking on his legacies, Sanwo-Olu said:”He embodied excellence and left a lasting legacy. As a business icon, Chief Iwuanyanwu built the Iwuanyanwu group into a power house, an enviable business conglomerate.

“He gave voice to the less privileged and hopes for the hopeless. His commitment to youths and their development is really inspiring. He founded the Iwuanyanwu Nationale. He used sports to empower the youths as a testament to his dedication to shaping the future of the nation.

“In politics, he was a respected elder statesman and champion of youths. He lived a life of service and purpose. Today, we are not mourning but here to celebrate the remarkable life of a true Nigerian.

“As a business icon, Chief Iwuanyanwu built the Iwuanyanwu Group into a powerhouse, an enviable business conglomerate that spans several industries. His contribution to the media space gave birth to what we know today as the Champion newspaper. It amplified the voice of the less privileged and he gave hope to the hopeless, strengthening the voice of the Press in our country, his commitment to youth and youth development is equally inspiring.

In politics, Chief Emmanuel was a respected elder statesman and a champion of unity. His voice resonated particularly in advocating not only for Igbo but for Nigeria at home and promoting across our nation.

“His message was a message of a diverse ethnic group and appreciating that we could be different, but we’re all the same.

“His philanthropic efforts are a reflection of his generous spirit. Through his foundation, countless scholarships were awarded to underprivileged students, and his support for his community touched lives beyond his state of Imo, state and here in Lagos, we felt it and beyond his commitment to improving education and expanding opportunities for the less fortunate and less privileged will forever stand as part of his enduring legacy.”

Anyaoku, described Iwuanyanwu as an outstanding Nigerian patriot and devoted leader of the people.

Anyaoku, who referred to the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide as a true representation, said he left a great legacy in various areas of the private sector.

“He was a versatile professional and business man. He was so versatile that he founded a conglomerate of over 20 companies. His death is a huge loss. We are saying adieu to a true icon.

“From Chief Iwuanyanwu, you would learn the virtue of hard work and integrity. In May, he joined former President Olusegun Obasanjo and myself in writing to the five governors of the South East zone to convene them for a meeting to discuss the development of the zone, which was held in July. Unfortunately, he could not attend because of his illness,” the elder statesman stated.

Retired Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Reverend Dr. Samuel Kalu Uche, noted that Chief Iwuanyanwu laboured for the unity of Nigeria since the civil war period.

According to him: “People are still being oppressed and marginalised in Nigeria causing inequality in the nation. That is why a Yoruba man went to London recently to request for Yoruba Nation yet, he was not arrested”.

The first daughter of the celebrated icon and Group Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, Dr. Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, adored her father as a superhero who believed in female children.

Iheakanwa, who disclosed that she was her father’s only child for nine years before the arrival of other siblings, said that Chief Iwuanyanwu was a true gift, duty-bound and proud of all his children.

“He has been through a lot in politics, business and even health yet he remained strong. I thank God for the life he lived and for always answering my prayers whenever my dad was sick. I can’t believe that he is gone, please, keep praying for us, we really need strength”, she admitted.