Late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has been described as a Paragon of excellence by the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
Reacting to the death of the President General of Ohaneze Neighbor Worldwide, Kalu said death was a profound loss, and casts a shadow of mourning over Ndigbo and the South East region.
In a publication, the Deputy Speaker wrote:
“Is with deep sadness that I received the news of the passing of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. This profound loss casts a shadow of mourning over Ndigbo and the Southeast region.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was a distinguished figure in our region, a paragon of excellence, excelling in multiple spheres; business, political leadership, and community service. He was a passionate advocate for Nigerian voices, particularly the Igbos, using his platform, the Champion Newspaper, to promote unity and peace among Ndigbo and the nation.
“He was a man of many talents and responsibilities, fulfilling his duties admirably. In the latter part of his life, he offered unwavering support and prayers when I became Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, remaining steadfast in his encouragement. Against all odds, he ensured he was present at the unveiling of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in Bende on the 29th of December, 2023. It is particularly sad that he passed away just as his long-held dream of establishing the Southeast Development Commission was realized.
“As a visionary entrepreneur, he fearlessly invested in Nigeria, creating jobs and opportunities while others moved their funds abroad. His knowledge of Nigerian history, especially the Southeastern experience, was invaluable, and his loss leaves a significant gap in our collective memory. His absence will leave a deep void in the hearts of Ndigbo and the Southeast region.
We have lost a mentor who imparted wisdom to the younger generation with his wealth of experience. The nation, and especially the Southeast, will miss the unique value and selflessness that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu embodied.
“I extend my deepest condolences to his immediate family, the people of Imo State and Ndigbo worldwide. May the Almighty God grant them the strength to bear this great loss.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
