By Victor Duruamaku
The sun has really gone down with a big vacuum created by the sudden demise of a philanthropist, a worthy leader, father, mentor, a noble statesman and the President General of the the Igbo Nation apex body, the Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide, Engr Chief, Dr Emmanuel C Iwuanyanwu(Ahaejiagamba)
It is on record that this great philanthropist and a man with a large hearth during his lifetime, uplifted a lot of individuals and organisations, including corporate bodies, both professional and ordinary
Engr Chief Dr Emmanuel C Iwuanyanwu a good man per excellence, came and saw it all, he was a beacon of hope and inspiration to all and sundry due to his philanthropic lifestyle as he would always ensure comfort to all around him
Chief Emmanuel C Iwuanyanwu as harmless mid morning sun, shown every body, both poor and rich, using his contacts and other connections both local and international to uplift people who came his way hence he earned one of the Igbo chieftaincy tittles, ” Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo”
As a detrabalised philanthropist, he bagged so many Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa and other ethnic groups high ranking chieftaincy tittles showing him as a good man, a friend and a true Nigerian
However, the setting of the sun, seem to have put a stop to all these good qualities of this great man with a large heart, a philanthropist per excellence
Following his exit, an articulate programme to bid him farewell was immediately put together by the local organising committee and as captured by the programme, on Tuesday October 29, 2024, there would be Owerri provincial service of songs in the honour of the late statesman and an ICON, chief Emmanuel C Iwuanyanwu at his country home at Atta Ikeduru local government area of the state
The programme also indicated that on Wednesday October 30 2024 the body is received at the Imo state Government House by the state Governor Hope Uzodimma
On the same day, the body received at the Glass House Ugwu Orji Owerri by the management and staff of Hardel and Enic group and later depart to his residence at New Owerri
The programme further stated that on Friday November 1, 2024, by 8am, to 9am, a commendation service is held at CATOL Owerri after which it departs to Atta with a flag stop at Hardel Bus stop Orji , Eke Atta and Atta junction before lying in state in his residence
By 11am, a funeral service is held at the Cathedral of St Mathew (Anglican Diocese of Ikeduru), while Interment follows immediately after service
The programme also indicated that on Saturday November 2, 2024, by 11 am, to 4pm, condolences and traditional visits at his takes place in Atta while outing service by his family and friends takes place at the Cathedral Church
Meanwhile, service of songs and tributes were held in the honour of the fallen hero in some of the states of the south eastern states
At the Enugu State old government house, during a service of songs and tributes the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, made an emotional tribute where he saw the president General of the Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide Engr Chief Dr Emmanuel C Iwuanyanwu Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo as a father and figure of the entire Imolites
According to him, the fallen Hero, was a man the entire people of Imo state, saw as a father because of his Imense love and care he extended to Imo people Ndigbo and all Nigerians without any discrimination
Uzodimma, noted, ” his position for the development of Imo state and the entire alaigbo was second to none” noting that his calls and efforts for better Nigeria was sincere
However, on that fateful day, when our leader, gloriously bid farewell to humanity, men, women, children, youths and all lovers of humanity not only wept for this irreparable loss of a divine gift of the business mogul but offered supplications for the repose of his soul and a possible replacement of him
Chief Emmanuel C Iwuanyanwu who until his death, was the president General, Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide regorously and consistently distinguished himself as a philanthropist, a caring father was uite sensitive and sympathetic to the plight and woes of the needy and the poor
Inspite of his esteemed prestige, honour and wealth the Atta born leader with local and international connections, demonstrated rare exemplary humility and never established a form of,” master servant” relationship with the commonality the Iwuanyanwu foundation which he mavanimously established to liberate the poor from the shackles of poverty, destitution and want unquestionably brought smiles on the faces of the targeted beneficiaries
The outstanding politician, established a blood bank at the federal medical centre (FMC Owerri ) which has saved many lives and it is still their helping people suffering from anaemia
While alife, Chief Iwuanyanwu proved his mettle in industry and sports development contributing enormously to reduce the tempo of youth unemployment by offering jobs to many seekers
In sports development, the Iwuanyanwu Nationale football club assisted potential footballers and others to harness their hidden talents
In the religious aspect of our human life, the hero, was never found wanting as he remained an effective sponsors of numerous church activities across the Christianson, it is on record that he influenced the building of many Anglican churches even outside his Ikeduru Anglican Diocese
