Encomiums, captured by the spokesperson, pour in for the new leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu at 81
The New Owerri palatial home of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide was a hive of activities as he marked his 81 birthday yesterday, Monday, 4 September 2023. Chief Iwuanyanwu had wished a very sober and reflective birthday because of the mood of the country, hence did not extend invitation to anybody, but behold, it was an out-pour of emotions as dignitaries of diverse backgrounds from various locations gathered to show love and solidarity to the pre-eminent Igbo Leader.
‘A living legend’
While several persons joined Ahaejiagamba in his home, some other dignitaries took to the press to express their birthday wishes to the Octogenarian.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State who is Chairman of Southeast Governors Forum, qualified Chief Iwuanyanwu as “a living legend and one of the founders and pillars of Imo State.” Uzodimma added: “As a pioneer, you have made quantum contributions to Nigeria, from the Imo Airport to Blood Bank, from millions of scholarships to publishing, from real estate to construction, to sports, to philanthropy; your imprimatur is everywhere.” Uzodimma pointed out that “since he took over the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the difference is clear.”
‘A committed Patriot’
For Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Iwuanyanwu is a “committed patriot who has done his best for the growth and development of the Southeast and the country in general.”
Soludo remarked that Ahaejiagamba “has shown a mature way of handling the affairs of Ohanaeze Ndigbo”, stressing that by his “methodical approach to leadership, Ohanaeze has achieved a lot in advancing the interest of the Ndigbo”. The erudite governor further commended Iwuanyanwu to have used “his numerous business establishments to offer employment to the teeming Igbo youths”
‘A pillar of strength’
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Uk and Ireland chapter led by Mrs Aqueen Ibeto qualified Iwuanyanwu as “an inspiring leader, a pillar of strength and support; a man with a large heart who stands for justice and fairness, a real hero and a benefactor of many lives”. The Uk leader stated that Iwuanyanwu has remained a worthy ambassador of everything good in the Igbo community both at home and in the Diaspora. Ibeto added that Iwuanyanwu has distinguished himself as a “man of large heart who stands for justice and fairness; a real hero and an outstanding purveyor of morals.”
‘Keeps appreciating in value’
A veteran journalist, Emma Agu, was not left out in the euphoria. Agu likened Ahaejiagamba to a “good wine that tastes better with age, every passing day”. According to Agu, “Iwuanyanwu keeps appreciating in value as a foremost nationalist, bridge-builder, patriot and statesman and has contributed enormously to the socio-economic development of the country.” Agu added that “the Imo State-born civil engineer, politician, philanthropist, businessman and statesman has recently turned on such spectacular public service credentials that confirm his standing as an exceptionally gifted patriot, organizer, trailblazer and national icon.” Agu disclosed that in the twenty years that he had the privilege of working with for him, Iwuanyanwu “registered an indelible impression on him as a compassionate and foremost advocate of justice, equity and fairness qualities.” These are rare and sterling qualities he inherited from “his parents, Pa Bernard and Lady Hulder Iwuanyanwu, both of the blessed memory from Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government of Imo State in Nigeria.”
The Agu impression is not in contrast with the general attestation that “Iwuanyanwu has always espoused the view that equity, justice and fairness were irreducible requirements, indeed spiritual conditions for peace and all human progress to which he was ready to commit every effort and every resource at his disposal. Agu added that the Igbo ethnic group and Nigeria as a whole should be grateful that, Iwuanyanwu at 81 is “deploying his rich experience in Nigerian politics, wide social network, and formidable bridges he built over the years as a philanthropist and statesman, in the task of building a Nigeria in which his Igbo, like every other ethnic group, is provided a level playing field to not only enjoy the bounties of the earth but also to guarantee a strong and united country that would be able to withstand the inevitable headwinds of nation-building.”
‘Symbol of courage’
The Acting National Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu stated this: “In politics, you have made indelible marks; in business, you have performed beyond expectations and demonstrated an uncommon capacity. You are a symbol of Igbo greatness, courage and boldness. You have indeed inspired and motivated Ndigbo across the globe”
The Ikeduru Union in the Uk wished Ahaejiagamba a wonderful and glorious birthday. Their goodwill message endorsed by Chief Raph Nwosu and Cosmas Sylvanus prayed God to grant Ahaejiagamba a long life in good health. On his own part, Prince Ubochi C. U bochi, the Traditional Prime Minister of Amaifeke, wished the Igbo Leader “the best of everything because he deserves it today and always”
‘More encomiums for Iwuanyanwu at 81
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Global was not left out in the celebration of their iconic leader.
In another release signed by Chief Aqueen Ibeto, the Convener, and Mazi Emenike Anigbogu, the group said Chief Iwuanyanwu is a monumental achievement that marks wisdom, unassailable leadership qualities and a lifetime of exceptional contributions to humanity. They qualified Chief Iwuanyanwu as a global entity who has been striving for the upliftment of Ndigbo around the world. They enthused that they are “elated that a quintessential Igbo Leader, the Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo has taken up the role of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and that his resilience and cognate experience are great assets and enormous benefits to Ndigbo”
And for the National Executive Committee (NEC) and other organs of Ohanaeze, Iwuanyanwu is an awesome leader with an incredible physical prowess, an extra-ordinary creative thinker and a transformative imaginative visionary.
Indeed, “a new Ohanaeze Ndigbo is born”
Encomiums pour in for Iwuanyanwu at 81
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