President: he will be remembered for his contributions
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari and members of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) were among the early mourners of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed on yesterday.
The Igbo leader was 82
Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and members of over the demise of the group’s, describing the passage of the renowned businessman and politician as an irreparable loss to the government of Imo State, his friends, associates and the entire Igbo community.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President praised Chief Iwuanyanwu’s remarkable legacy, saying he will always be remembered for his contributions.
The President also prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and comfort for his family during this difficult time.
The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt commiserations to the family of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away yesterday.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. He was an accomplished businessman and notable politician.
“President Tinubu condoles with the Imo State Government, the friends and associates of the deceased, and Ndi Igbo over this irreparable loss.
“The President affirms that Chief Iwuanyanwu will always be remembered for his remarkable legacy. President Tinubu prays for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and comfort to his family.”
It’s sad, says Buhari
Buhari described Iwuanyanwu’s death as a sad event for Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, the former President highlighted the late Iwuanyanwu contributions to journalism, sports, politics and nation-building in Nigeria.
The statement reads: “He was a visionary who revolutionized the nation’s media and sports. He made notable strides in the media industry, construction, sports, business, and politics.
“I had several opportunities to interact with him to know about his passionate commitment to the unity, peaceful coexistence, and the development of Nigeria.
“His rich contributions have left indelible memories on the media, sports, politics, and business where he made extraordinary achievements.
“My condolences go to his family, friends, associates, and the entire people of the Southeast. His death is a loss to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the former president said.
Death profound loss, say Southern governors
In a statement by their Chairman, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, the SGF described Nwuanyanwu’s death as a profound loss to the nation.
Abiodun described the news of the demise of the businessman, publisher and politician as shocking.
The SGF chair said as President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the late Nwuanyanwu worked tirelessly to preserve the unity of the country with his various, timely interventions at critical times when contentious issues were raging.
Abiodun said: “I received with shock, the news of the death of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Nwuanyanwu. His passing at this critical time when his counselling as an elder statesman is needed is saddening.
“The late chief was a remarkable leader, statesman, and patriot who dedicated his life to promoting the unity, progress, and well-being of the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a whole.
“His contributions to fostering inter-ethnic harmony, peaceful co-existence, and mutual understanding between the diverse peoples of our country were huge.
“His death is a profound loss not only for the Igbo nation but Nigeria as a whole. His legacy of selfless service, wisdo, and unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our dear country will forever be remembered and celebrated.
“On behalf of the Southern Governors’ Forum, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Nwuanyanwu family, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo family, the entire South-East region and Nigeria as a whole.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may God grant his loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Once again, we mourn with you and pray that the Almighty God will console and comfort the Southeast region during this difficult time.”
