LAGOS – The Lagos State chapter of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has concluded arrangements to honour the late president-general of the organization, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed on a few weeks ago.
Speaking on how the chapter will honour the late Igbo leader, Prince Ubochi C. Ubochi, the traditional prime minister of Ndigbo in Eti-Osa Local Government in Lagos State, said that the state chapter planned to honour Chief Iwuanyanwu because of his contributions to the development and growth of Ndigbo in Lagos State, Ndigbo in the Southeast, Ndigbo in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
He described Chief Iwuanyanwu as a great leader, who went to great lengths to serve Ndigbo, adding that the chief used his resources to better the lives of Ndigbo and Nigerians.
“His love for Ndigbo was unparalleled; even in old age he accepted to lead Ndigbo when he was called to do so. He was a philanthropist who was generous to all manner of people. He was close to his people even to those at the grassroots,” he stated.
Speaking on Iwuanyanwu’s leadership of Ohanaeze, Ubochi said that the late president-general instituted reforms that strengthened the organization and made it relevant to life of Igbo people. He averred that the late leader made the Igbo people relevant in the political calculus of Nigeria.
“He visited all parts of Nigeria in his bid to unite Ndigbo and make Igbo people more united. He was passionate about the Igbo people affairs and went all the way to protect them,” he said.
He counseled that the next leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo should learn from Chief Iwuanyanwu and implement some of things that the late leader could not do.
However, he said that the funeral arrangement of the late is a national affair adding that the Lagos State chapter is cuing into the arrangements at the national level.
He disclosed that Dr. Ben Obi is leading the committee that is organizing the burial arrangements at the national level.
Also speaking on the late Chief Iwuanyanwu, Chief Sunday Ossai, the Lagos State chapter president of Ohanaeze, said he will ensure that the state plays an active part in the funeral arrangements.
He described the late Igbo leader as a trailblazer who introduced positive reforms in the structure of Ohanaeze.
Mr. Mike Orji, the chairman of the chairmen of local governments in Lagos State, also praised the Chief Iwuanyanwu’s contribution to the organization in Lagos State.
He said that Chief Iwuanyanwu lived in Lagos State and had most of his investments in the state. He stated that the late Igbo leader strengthened the Lagos State chapter and united the Igbo people in the state.
According to him, “He did a lot to unite Ndigbo in Lagos State and we want to honour him; we plan to hold a candle night for him to show our gratitude to him and we will take active part in the activities to intern the late chief. We hold him in high esteem and we want to accord the highest respect.”
Describing Chief Iwuanyanwu, Orji said, “He was a very good leader and he made a positive impact on Ohanaeze with the time he was the leader.”
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