Tag: Iwuanyanwu

President General of International Market Amalgamated, Ojo-Alaba in Lagos State, Chief Camillus Amajuoyi, has  expressed sadness on the death of President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief  Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

In a statement, he commiserated with the deceased’s family, friends, associates and  Igbo.

He described Iwuanyanwu as an opinion moulder, peace-builder and patriot, who contributed to the unity and development of the nation.

“l received with shock, the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba). His death left a vacuum no one can fill. His death dealt a blow to the Igbo. The nation lost an opinion moulder, peace-builder and a patriot, who contributed to the unity and development of our Nigeria. His gentle demeanour and caring nature touched many lives.

Read Also: Lagos celebrates normalcy four days after protest

 “Iwuanyanwu, while alive, was a father figure to us, traders of International Market Amalgamated, Ojo-Alaba. His intervention during demolition of some parts of our market will not be forgotten. He was an advocate of peace  whose  commitment to nation building will not be forgotten.

“On behalf of International Market Amalgamated Ojo-Alaba, I commiserate with his family, friends, community and associates on this irreplaceable loss. He will be dearly missed. My heartfelt condolence to his family as they navigate through this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”

An Igbo think tank, Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), has expressed sadness over the death of Ohanaeze President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo president general died on Thursday, July 25.

He was 82.

Regardless of its sombre mood, ADF also hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill.

The group conveyed the messages in separate statements jointly signed by its National President, Professor Ukachukwu Awuzie, and National Secretary, Abia Onyike.

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Expressing deep grief on the death of Chief Iwuanyanwu, ADF said his leadership style and achievements left him as one who would be sorely missed by Ndigbo and the nation at large.

The group described Iwuanyanwu as a success story in his cosmic and existential stay on earth in business, politics, sports, church affairs, community development and philanthropy, among others.

According to the statement, the late Ohanaeze President General transmuted to a level where he became outstandingly a role model in all ramifications of life.

ADF stated: “He strode the human space as a colossus, having started active adult life during the genocide against Ndigbo, christened the Nigerian Civil War. He fought with men his age and attained the rank of a Major due to his gallantry…”

A Chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has called on Igbos nationwide to accord the late Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu deep respect by not joining the planned hunger protest.

Ngwu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Saturday that joining the “ill-wind and ill-timed protest” may further destroy the virtues Iwuanyanwu fought and stood for while alive.

NAN recalls that Iwuanyanwu, a politician and sports enthusiast, was the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo until his death on Thursday at the age of 82 years old.

He had in a press statement released three days before his demise issued a warning that no Igbo should participate in the “uncalled-for protest”.

Ngwu, the Ohabuenyi Amechi Awkunanaw in Enugu South Local Government Area, noted that Iwuanyanwu, the Ahaejiejemba 1 of Igboland, acquitted himself well in championing Ndigbo’s cause and struggle over decades.

According to him, all in Igboland, especially in the South-East, should remain in a sobriety mood as they accord their great leader, father and brother a befitting mourning period.

Ngwu noted that consultation and dialogue by representatives of the aggrieved group(s) and government remained the best option to take for the greater good of the country and her citizens.

Read Also: Iwuanyanwu, remarkable bridge builder – Utomi

“Ndi Igbo (Igbo people) recently lost our very illustrious son, an outstanding philanthropist and a nation builder in the person of Ahaejiejemba, the President-General of our epic association, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

“We should accord him deep respect by taking heed of all he had warned us of as Ndigbo, especially for any Igbo person not to join the planned nationwide hunger protest.

“At this moment and period in time, we should be prayerful to God and our ancestors to grant his soul eternal peace.

“Joining in any mass and nationwide protest may further destroy the virtues he fought and stood for,” he said.

(NAN)

Political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi has described the late Ohaeneze Ndigbo President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as a “remarkable bridge builder”.

Utomi, in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, said that the death of Iwuanyanwu was a great loss to his community, the Igbo nation and Nigeria.

He said that the late Iwuanyanwu was an active citizen, who bestrode several areas of human endeavour like a colossus.

“Our paths crossed repeatedly as businessmen, Alumni of the University of Nigeria and in the public sphere.

Read Also: Umahi mourns Iwuanyanwu, says he was a nationalist

“He was a remarkable bridge builder, who frequently found a path to consensus when issues widened the crack in the politics.

“When Ohanaeze PG, Prof George Obiozor passed on, Dr Tim Menakanya, former Health Minister called Chief John Nnia Nwodo and I, to remind us that we were the youngest at the table when Ohaneze was founded in the early 1980s, and we had a duty to ensure the boat stayed steady.

“We did the needful to ensure a transition through an Iwuanyanwu presidency of Ohaneze.

“I therefore had a ringside seat in observing the long impactful play of the astute engineer in public life. May his Soul rest in peace,” Utomi said.

(NAN)

The Minister of Works, Sen. Nweze David Umahi, yesterday, said the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu was a committed nationalist.

He also said Iwuanyanwu stood for equity, equality, value re-orientation, and unconstrained national development.

Umahi, who paid the tribute to Iwuanyanwu in a statement in Abuja, said the business mogul would be sorely missed.

The statement said: “I received, with a deep sense of loss, the sad news of the death of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu  (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) who was called to eternal glory on 25th July 2024 at the age of 82 years.

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“Late Chief  Iwuanyanwu was an experienced and well-respected national figure with unwavering political,  professional, and business track records.

” He will be remembered for his commitment to nation-building; he canvassed unequivocally for equity, equality,  value re-orientation, and unconstrained national development.

” He made perceptive contributions to issues that promote national dialogue during his time as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Indeed, we have lost a rare gem. May his soul rest in peace, amen.

” I offer my deepest condolences to the family, the government of Imo state, the Igbo communities worldwide, and indeed Nigeria for the loss of this great statesman.”

Several prominent Nigerians have continued to mourn the late Igbo leader, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

Until he died Thursday, at 82, after a brief illness, Iwuanyanwu was the President-General of a pan-Igbo group,  Ohanaeze N’digbo Worldwide.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; and his Enugu State counterpart, De. Peter Mbah, are in grief, following the death of the former Igbo leader.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the death of Iwuanyanwu as a colossal loss to Nigeria, particularly the Igbo nation and the media industry.

Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma said the death of the Igbo leader has left a void that would be felt across the country.

Also mourning the loss of the Igbo leader are the Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze.

The Igbo leaders described the death of Ohanaeze President-General Worldwide as a death too many for Igbo prominent leaders and a big loss to Nigeria and the international community too.

Soludo further described Iwuanyanwu as a personal mentor, a great supporter as well as an influential figure whose life and wise counsel were a tribute to exceptional leadership, patriotism, and steadfast dedication to the progress of the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a Country.

“His contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria are immeasurable. As the publisher of the Champion Newspapers and owner of several other businesses, his entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic endeavours have left an enduring legacy in our nation,” he said.

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The Governor of Enugu State expressed deep grief over Iwuanyanwu’s death, describing it as the fall of a great iroko tree and an incalculable loss to Ndigbo and Nigeria in general.

Mbah said Iwuanyanwu was unapologetically Igbo, yet a consummate nationalist and quintessential statesman, who gave his all in service to the nation and the Igbo race.

While expressing sadness in their different statements in Awka, Umeh and Udeze, described the passing away of the Igbo leader as a monumental loss not only to his immediate family and the Igbo nation but to Nigeria as a whole

For Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, the nation was losing its icons in quick succession.

Umeh described Iwuanyanwu’s death as a tragic loss, saying he died while serving the Igbo nation.

Anambra state House of Assembly Speaker,  Hon.Somtochukwu Udeze, described the late President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, as a true Igbo man who represented the cause of Ndigbo in all ramifications.

In his condolence Message on behalf of the lawmakers, Udeze noted that the death of  Iwuanyanwu was a great loss to the Igbo race, Nigeria, and the international community in view of his contributions to the growth and development of the Southeast and Nigeria at large.

Sanwo-Olu sympathises with family, Ndigbo, media industry

Sanwo-Olu described Iwuanyanwu’s death as a colossal loss to Nigeria, particularly the Igbo nation and the media industry.

The Governor also described Iwuanyanwu, an accomplished businessman and media mogul, as a respected elder statesman and detribalised Nigerian.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, sympathised with the Ndigbo at home and abroad over the demise of their President-General.

He also consoled the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and the entire people of Imo State over the death of their illustrious son.

The governor also sympathised with the deceased wife, Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, children, friends, and associates, as well as the management and staff of Champion Newspaper and other businesses of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

I’m deeply pained says Uzodimma

Also speaking, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, said he was deeply pained on hearing of the death of the revered Nigerian elder statesman.

On Friday, Governor Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum, and also the deceased’s Governor, took to his social media handle to personally lament over the death of Chief Iwuanyanwu, noting that the deceased’s death has left a void that would be felt across the country.

 He said: “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Imo State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, the people of Ikeduru LGA, Imo State at large, and Ohanaeze Ndi’Igbo Worldwide.

 “I am deeply pained since learning of the passing of the revered elder statesman, Aha eji eje mba Ndi’Igbo, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndi’Igbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR, after a brief illness. His departure leaves a void that will be profoundly felt across Imo State, Igbo land, and Nigeria at large.

 “Chief Iwuanyanwu was not only an eminent philanthropist and leader but also a true nationalist whose contributions transcended ethnic boundaries. His tireless efforts towards national unity and peace were instrumental in ensuring that the government’s efforts in the restoration of peace materialized.”

Former  Secretary to the Imo State Government (SSG), Hon Chris Okewulonu

said that the sudden demise of the Igbo frontline leader and outstanding philanthropist came to him as a rude shock. He described his death as a monumental loss to Igbos and Nigerians in general.

He was an eminent statesman, says Southeast APC

Also mourning, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Southeast described the late businessman and politician as an eminent statesman.

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This was contained in a statement by the National Vice Chairman of the party in the Southeast, Dr. ijeomah Arodiogbu.

Arodiogbu announced that he had received the news  of Iwuanyanwu’s demise with shock, lamenting that the demise had thrown the whole of Igboland into mourning.

 Otti, Igbo group mourn

The Governor of Abia State,  Dr.  Alex Otti, said he received with shock and heavy heart the sudden demise of elder Statesman and the General-President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

He described the death of the leader of Ndigbo Worldwide as a great loss to the Igbo nation and the entire country.

Also, an Igbo social-cultural organization, Umunna Lekki Association (ULA), also expressed shock over the death of Iwuanyanwu.

In a statement released to the press on Friday, the President General of Umunna Lekki Association, Chief Michael Onuoha (Eriri-ego Igbonile/Ide Nwangele) described the late Chief Iwuanyanwu as an epitome of Igbo renaissance.

Onuoha noted that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s leadership of the apex Igbo organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, has brought many benefits to the people who needed a courageous and outstanding leader during an epochal historical period.

Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma, has expressed his deep sorrow over the death of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

According to a statement from his family, Chief Iwuanyanwu passed away on Thursday, July 25, in an Abuja hospital.

Condolences have been pouring in from prominent figures across the country.

Governor Uzodimma, who also serves as the chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, shared his personal sadness on social media, noting that Chief Iwuanyanwu’s passing has left a void that will be felt nationwide.

He said: “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Imo State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, the people of Ikeduru LGA, Imo State at large, and Ohanaeze Ndi’Igbo Worldwide.

“I am deeply pained since learning of the passing of the revered elder statesman, Aha eji eje mba Ndi’Igbo, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndi’Igbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR, after a brief illness. His departure leaves a void that will be profoundly felt across Imo State, Igbo land, and Nigeria at large.

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“Chief Iwuanyanwu was not only an eminent philanthropist and leader but also a true nationalist whose contributions transcended ethnic boundaries. His tireless efforts towards national unity and peace were instrumental in ensuring that the government’s efforts in the restoration of peace materialized.

“He was a guiding light in turbulent times, providing wisdom and expertise that were indispensable. His dedication to the betterment of society and unwavering commitment to the Igbo cause has made Ndi Imo and the entire Igbo community immensely proud.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in the quest for a peaceful and united Nigeria. May God grant his soul eternal rest and provide his family the fortitude to bear this immense loss.”

Also, former Secretary to Imo State Government (SSG), Chris Okewulonu joined well-meaning Nigerians in mourning the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu ( Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo).

In a statement, Chief Okewulonu said that the sudden demise of the Igbo frontline leader and outstanding philanthropist came to him as a rude shock. He described his death as a monumental loss to Igbos and Nigerians in general.

Chief Okewulonu regretted that Chief  Iwuanyanwu died at a time when his advice as a great Nigerian leader and role model to many was needed, adding that he would be greatly missed.

He pointed out that the late President of Owerri People’s Assembly while alive, contributed a lot to the development of Igbo land and Nigeria through the establishment of Champion Newspapers, Oriental Airline and Hadel & Enic Construction Company among others.

The former Chief of staff to ex-Imo Governor further noted that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu would be forever remembered for his outstanding and overwhelming contributions towards ensuring peace and development across the entire Igbo land and Nigeria.

He enjoined the immediate family, Imo people and Nigerians at large to bear the death of the distinguished elder statesman with fortitude, considering the good legacies he left behind.

Yesterday’s demise of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has thrown the Southeast into mourning.

The death was confirmed in a statement by the son of the late businessman Jide.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors of the 17 states in the Southwest, Southeast, Southsouth under the auspices of Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF), described the demise of the philanthropist as a great loss to the land

According to the statement, the 82-year-old Igbo leader died after a brief illness. He did not disclose where the octogenarian passed on.

But an unconfirmed report said that the octogenarian died in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Jide’s statement reads: “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo,” the statement read.

Read Also: UPDATED: Ohanaeze Ndigbo President Iwuanyanwu dies at 82

“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged 82. Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.”

The late Iwuanyanwu is survived by his widow Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children and grandchildren.”

According to the statement, the burial details will be announced later by the family after due consultations.

Publicity Secretary of the pan-Igbo socio-political organisation, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, who confirmed the death in Enugu, said: “Today is a bad day for Ndigbo. It’s true! Ahaeji aga Mba is gone. Ohaneze is yet to issue an official statement on the demise of our President-General, Chief Iwuanyanwu, but he is gone”.

The late Iwuanyanwu was elected the President-General of the apex Igbo group on April 20, 2023, following the sudden death of his predecessor, Prof George Obiozor.

The late Iwuanyanwu was the second President-General of the Ohanaeze to die in office after his predecessor, Prof. George Obiozor, who also died in December 2022 at 80.

He was a prominent Nigerian businessman, politician, and philanthropist known for his significant contributions to various sectors, particularly in the Igbo community and beyond.

• Group worried over close sequence in losing leading lights

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide yesterday described the death of its President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as deeply shocking and sorrowful.

The Igbo group, which further described Iwuanyanwu as the best President Ohanaeze Ndigbo ever had, also expressed worries at the rate Ndigbo were “losing the brightest of the brightest among the Igbo in a close sequence.”

Known in his life-time as the Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, the late Iwuanyanwu was the Ninth leader of the Igbo group since its inception in 1976.

He assumed office as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on April 30, last year following the demise of Prof. George Obiozor.

In a statement issued in Enugu by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze noted that Iwuanyanwu, as a legend, introduced strategic and visionary dimension to the operations of the group.

Stating that it was indeed a sad denouement for the Igbo that both Prof Obiozor and Iwuanyanwu died in office, Ohanaeze said: “We are also worried at the rate we are losing the brightest of the brightest among the Igbo in a close sequence at a time their wise counsels are mostly needed.

“Prof Ben Nwabueze, His Majesty, Igwe Joseph Chike Edozien, Dr. Sylvester Ebiwei, Prof Joe Irukwu, Chief Mbazulike Amechi, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, amongst others have all gone”, the statement read.

Read Also: UPDATED: Ohanaeze Ndigbo President Iwuanyanwu dies at 82

It continued: “Before he died, he was a philanthropist par excellence, focused creative thinker, brave soldier, accomplished engineer, astute business mogul, industrialist and a sagacious politician, and the former highest employer of labour at least in the entire East of the Niger.

“Iwuanyanwu was the chairman of the Iwuanyanwu Foundation which offered scholarships to over 10 thousand indigent students across the country. He donated to universities to create conducive environments for learning; built Churches and other community facilities.

“Over forty years ago, Chief Sam Mbakwe, the former governor of Old Imo State conceived the idea of an International Cargo Airport at Owerri, it was Iwuanyanwu who made the highest donation of $2 million, among others.

“In politics, Ahaejiagamba produced several chairmen of local government areas, commissioners, senators, ministers and governors most of whom are still alive.

“The Iwuanyanwu trajectory is an admonition to the present day selfish and mundane leaders who perceive legacy as leaving enormous wealth behind for one’s offspring; rather, it’s about laying invaluable foundation among the populace, especially for younger generations.  Iwuanyanwu’s life mission transcended self; rather he was devoted to charity, humanity and service to God.

• He left a vacuum, says, Igbo Think Tank

House of Representatives Speaker Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Speaker Benjami Kalu, formers governors Peter Obi (Anambra), Achike Udenwa (Imo), a former Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Igbo Think Tank Aka Ikenga yesterday paid tributes to the late Ohanaeze President Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

The Green Chamber leaders described the late Iwuanyanwu as an elder statesman and a pan-Nigerian, who used his leadership of Ohanaeze to seek peace and stability of the country.

In their separate condolence messages, they expressed sadness and shock at the demise of the businessman, publisher and Sports enthusiast.

Abbas, in his condolence message to the Iwuanyanwu family and the Ndigbo described the death as shocking and painful.

He extended his condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, the people, and government of Imo State, and the Igbo nation over “the huge loss that has left a vacuum in the leadership of the Igbo.”

Kalu likened Iwuanyanwu’s death to that of a fallen Iroko tree, saying that the deceased contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

He recalled how the late Iwuanyanwu, through his many business establishments, provided employments for many Nigerians.

The House deputy speaker also recognised the patriotic and philanthropic gestures of the late Igbo leader as exemplified through the Iwuanyanwu National Ambulance that catered for accident victims all over the country.

He also recalled the late Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to the launch of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in Bende Local Government of Abia State in December last year, adding that his commitment to the peace and unity of Nigeria was unparalleled.

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Condoling with the family over the irreplaceable and irreparable loss, Kalu said: “Ndi Igbo and indeed, Nigeria will greatly miss him”.

He added: “It’s sad news for the people of the Southeastern region because Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu remained one of the brightest stars from the region, who actually proved himself in business, political leadership and community leadership. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a great champion, who also designed a platform for the voice of Nigerians, especially the Igbos, to be heard using this champion newspaper.

“He was a man of many parts; a man with so many responsibilities which he discharged very well, and I was close to him in the later part of his life. He paid me a visit just a couple of months ago to congratulate me as the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.

“And one of his requests was for me to work hard alongside the members of the parliament to ensure that their age old dream of having a development agency known as Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) be a thing that will materialize in his lifetime.

“You’ll be shocked to hear that once the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria assented to that bill, he was the first that I called to share the news with. But he was in coma. It was his wife that answered and told me that chief is in coma.

“And a day after the assent to his long desire, he passed on. That is to show that he truly, truly loved the Igbo race. We will celebrate him”.

In a tweet, Obi said: “I am greatly disheartened by the death of an elder statesman and President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. The devastating report of his death has left all who knew him heartbroken.

“He was not just a father to many, but a bridge builder who remained committed to the peaceful coexistence of all groups in the nation. He was undoubtedly a deeply patriotic Nigerian whose desire for justice, equity, progress and development of the nation transcended tribal boundaries.

Chief Iwuanyanwu was one of those revered father figures who have always given me useful advice. I recall visiting him at the hospital, on the 11th of this month with the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Okey Emuchey.

“He promised me that he would soon be alright, to continue with his contributions to the progress of the nation. Since then, I continued to pray for his quick and full recovery, till I received the sad news of his death”, Obi said.

Udenwa extolled Iwuanyanwu’s sterling qualities describing him as a man with a large heart.

He said in a statement: “Many served under his tutelage in politics and business, he was a pillar of support to many governments both at the state and federal levels”.

Udenwa described the deceased as a great supporter and champion of the Igbo cause and nationalist who left indelible footprints in the sands of history.

Abaribe described Iwuanyanwu’s demise a as a huge loss, adding that the deceased was a consummate Nigerian patriot who was also a heavyweight intellectually, financially, politically, culturally and socially in Igbo land and the whole of Nigeria.

Igbo Think Tank Director of Publicity Collins Steve Ugwu said: “it’s culturally troubling and mentally numbing to immediately begin to discuss the passage of a sage leader and character, such that fell upon the shoulders of Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (CFR) to occupy in Igbo nationality.

“His various persona as a certified engineer of the highest pedigree, an indigenous contractor of eminent heights, a politician of boundless ambitions that eventually coalesced to a leader at the acme of Ndigbo nationality is a caveat for deep circumspection to rattle a discussion of him in cold past tense.”