BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has paid glowing tribute to a politician par excellence, Late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, reminiscing his worthy achievement.
The philanthropist, who was a former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, an Igbo apex group died on July 25, 2024, at the age of 82 years.
In his tribute made available to newsmen over the weekend in Abuja, Umahi extolled the leadership traits of the late business business mogul and his numerous contributions to nation building.
Describing Iwuanyanwu as his leader, father, and professional colleague, the minister stated that he was grateful for the purposeful life and times of the late icon of Ndigbo.
Umahi said: "It is indeed nostalgic to share the treasurable memories of this great man of God’s purpose who has departed gloriously at a time of God’s will. I remember the beautiful memories of the splendour of his life endeavours. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a household name in Igbo land and Nigeria at large.
"His name rings a bell in our contemporary society as an experienced and well respected national figure with unwavering political, professional and business track-records and as an advocate of national renaissance who championed the cause of nation-building and ethical rebirth with unwavering passion.
"Chief Iwuanyanwu canvassed unequivocally for equity, equality, value re-orientation, and unconstrained national development. He desired a progressive Nigeria that blossoms in peace, prosperity, unity, and justice."
He described Iwuanyanwu as a political heavy weight, who led various national reconciliations and political harmonisations that shaped election outcomes especially in the third and fourth republics.
Umahi informed that the late business mogul would be remembered as a prominent political figure from South East extraction whose influence, sagacity, contact and connection cannot be written-off in the political landscape of Nigeria, adding that he was a great voice for national consensus.
"The life journey of Chief Iwuanyanwu resonates in the fact that God strengthens and equips us for whatever he calls us to do. In business, political and socio-cultural life, he was outstandingly and exceptionally huge, tall, elegant, and captivating.
"Chief Iwuanyanwu will be remembered as a successful captain of industry who impacted humanity through diverse business ventures, including media and advertisement, entertainment and hospitality industry, shipping lines, insurance, and airline business.
"I am happy that he has continued to render national service through some of these conglomerates even at death, especially through his media outfit, Champion Newspaper Ltd, currently headed by one of his daughters, Dr. (Mrs.) Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, "he added.
The minister disclosed that Iwuanyanwu lived and died in active service to his people and humanity, recalling how the trailblazer intervened and filled the leadership gap that was created after the death of the then President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Amb. Obiozor.
Umahi pointed out that Iwuanyanwu recorded tremendous achievements within a short period as the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo.
He continued: "His voice was heard, and his ideals and values were re-vibrated. He died fighting for a just and equalitarian nation. I must state that Nigeria has lost a great gem who came, saw, and conquered. Even in death, the nation needs to celebrate him.
The minister enjoined the late Iwuanyanwu's family and the people of South East to keep his legacies alive by striving to foster the ideals his name represented, saying that the billionaire left behind an irreplaceable vacuum.
"Although he departed in glory, leaving behind an irreplaceable vacuum, I charge the family and indeed the people of South East to keep his legacies alive by striving to foster the ideals his name represents. May his soul rest in perfect peace, Amen, " the minister added.
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