President Bola Tinubu, alongside an assembly of prominent dignitaries, paid final respects to the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, at a funeral service held on Friday at the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew in Atta, Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State.
Distinguished attendees included Governors Alex Otti of Abia and Peter Mbah of Enugu, as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje. Former leaders and key figures such as Dame Patience Jonathan, Sen. Sam Anyanwu, Peter Obi, Emeka Ihedioha, Achike Udenwa, and Sen. Rochas Okorocha joined to honor Iwuanyanwu’s legacy and contributions to Nigeria and the Igbo community.
The event was graced by traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other prominent figures. Representing President Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, described Iwuanyanwu as a “true hero, visionary leader, and committed nationalist,” highlighting his dedication to nation-building, fostering unity, and supporting the disadvantaged.
Widely respected as a businessman, philanthropist, and Igbo leader, Iwuanyanwu was praised as a champion of unity and an advocate for both the Igbo community and national development. President Tinubu honored his memory, calling his passing “a colossal loss to the nation” and extended condolences to the family.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, lauded Iwuanyanwu as “a trailblazer” with significant achievements in business, politics, and social welfare, noting his unwavering commitment to justice and equity.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State thanked South-East governors for their support in organizing the state funeral. Reflecting on Iwuanyanwu’s impact, Uzodimma announced the renaming of the state’s new International Conference Centre in his honor, stating, “He envisioned a united Nigeria where all tribes could thrive in peace.”
In a sermon titled “Serving the Purpose of God in Our Generation,” Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, called on leaders to live selflessly and work for the nation’s welfare. He urged President Tinubu to convene a national conference to create a new, people-focused constitution and to boldly address the country’s challenges.
“This is a time for us to support one another,” he said, emphasizing the importance of unity among the Igbo in selecting their next leader.
In his vote of thanks, Iwuanyanwu’s eldest son, Jidechukwu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, particularly the president and South-East governors, for honoring his father’s memory. “My father was a man of great achievements, guided always by his faith in God,” he shared.