President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
In a personally signed statement on Friday, Tinubu praised Iwuanyanwu for his resolute and indomitable spirit, describing him as having the heart of a gladiator. He noted that Chief Iwuanyanwu's contributions went beyond just the Igbo community, as his work positively impacted the entire nation, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
The President also highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s deep belief in Nigeria’s vast human and material potential, saying that he stood as a symbol of national unity and progress. Tinubu emphasized that as the founder of Heartland Football Club, Iwuanyanwu used sports as a platform to advocate for the nation’s abundance and prosperity, contributing significantly to the development of Nigerian sports. His investments in sports were not just for entertainment but were seen as tools for fostering national pride and international recognition.
According to him, the passing of Chief Iwuanyanwu on July 25, 2024, is a massive loss to the nation. Tinubu expressed deep sorrow at the loss of this prominent leader, pointing out that his death leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.
He said with his wealth, the late Ohanaeze Ndigbo president served his people and the nation, providing scholarships to indigent students, building schools and hospitals, and supporting many charitable causes. His philanthropic efforts were lauded as examples of selflessness and a deep commitment to the upliftment of the Nigerian people.
Read President Tinubu’s tribute below:
TRIBUTE TO THE LATE CHIEF EMMANUEL IWUANYANWU BY PRESIDENT TINUBU
The late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a colossus of many parts. In sports, he was a pioneer; in business, he was ingenious and resourceful; in politics, he was astute; and in philanthropy, he was relentless. His multifaceted life and accomplishments made him a towering figure in Nigeria's landscape.
The late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo served the nation in many official capacities. He was the founding chairman of the Raw Materials and Research Development Council (RMRDC) and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) chairman. Through these roles, he championed the growth of Nigeria’s economic infrastructure and played an instrumental role in pushing the country towards industrial development.
He also served as chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) board, founding chairman of the Nigerian National Lottery, and chairman of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi. In each position, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service and worked tirelessly to improve the nation’s public sectors, contributing to a better standard of living for many Nigerians.
I mourn the passing of this illustrious son of Nigeria. His leadership in these various roles has left an indelible mark, and his absence will be deeply felt across the country.
Chief Iwuanyanwu was courageous, defiant of injustice, and uncompromising. He had the heart of a gladiator, resolute and indomitable. His defiance in the face of adversity and injustice earned him the respect of many, both within Nigeria and beyond.
I recall his sports exploits with the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, now Heartland F.C., which he founded in 1985. Thanks to his acclaimed facility for excellence, the club won several national and international championships. He was a significant factor in Nigeria’s sports development. His vision for the club helped put Nigerian football on the global map, making it a symbol of national pride.
Chief Iwuanyanwu was enterprising. He believed in Nigeria’s human and material abundance and fecundity, and his investments across sectors and the nation attest to this. His business acumen was not only a means of personal success but also a tool for empowering others, creating jobs, and driving the country’s economic growth.
The late elder statesman lived a life of service. With his wealth, he served his people and the nation, providing scholarships to indigent students, building schools and hospitals, and supporting many charitable causes. His generosity touched countless lives, and his commitment to education and healthcare made him a true benefactor of the people.
The passing of Chief Iwuanyanwu on July 25, 2024, is a massive loss to the nation. Though he lived to the advanced age of 81, his counsel and stabilising quality will be sorely missed. His wisdom and leadership helped steer the country through many challenging times, and his absence will leave a void in the national discourse.
I commiserate with the Iwuanyanwu family, the government, the people of Imo State, and Ndigbo Gburugburu as the burial rites of Chief Iwuanyanwu begin in a few days. His death is not only a loss for his family and community but for the entire nation.
His life and remarkable accomplishments will always be remembered, and may God Almighty grant his soul eternal rest.
Bola Ahmed TinubuPresident of the Federal Republic of NigeriaOctober 18, 2024