Jide Iwuanyanwu, the eldest son of the recently deceased Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, paid tribute to his father’s diverse legacy in a statement released on Thursday.
The older Iwuanyanwu, the leader of Ohaeneze Ndigbo and a prominent figure in Nigerian business, politics, and traditional leadership, passed away in the morning at the age of 82.
Jide highlighted his father’s significant contributions and multifaceted career in the statement which also included his father’s short biography.
According to the statement, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was born on September 4, 1942, in Umunakanu, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
He came from a modest background as the first child of his parents, attending St. Patrick’s Primary School in Umunakanu, followed by St. Peter’s Secondary School in Umuguma.
He later earned a degree in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka His entrepreneurial journey began in the 1960s as a trader.
“He is the founder and chairman of Champion Newspapers Limited, publishers of Champion newspapers.
“He also owns other businesses, including construction companies, manufacturing firms and real estate investments,” Jide added.
In the 1980s, Iwuanyanwu transitioned into politics, joining the National Party of Nigeria before becoming a member of the Peoples Democratic Party. He contested for the Imo East Senatorial District in 1992.
He served in several political roles, including as a member of the State House of Assembly (1983-1985) and as Commissioner for Works and Housing (1985-1987).
He succeeded George Obiozor as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide following Obiozor’s death in December 2022.
His leadership and contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic and honorary doctorates in Business Administration and Law from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Imo State University, respectively.
Iwuanyanwu was a dedicated Catholic and philanthropist, known for his charitable activities.
The family plans to announce funeral arrangements after further consultations.
In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Alex Ogbonnia, on Thursday, the sociocultural group commisserated with the Iwuanyanwu family.
“Today is a bad day for Ndigbo. It’s true! Ahaeji aga Mba is gone,” Dr. Ogbonnia stated. He added that while Ohaneze has yet to issue an official statement, the loss of their President-General is a profound sorrow.
Ogbonnia said the late publisher was elected President-General of the apex Igbo cultural organization on April 20, 2023, following the sudden death of his predecessor, Prof. George Obiozor.
The statement described him as one of the most outstanding Igbo leaders, with a record of achievements across various fields, including business, politics, and philanthropy.
“He was also a Biafran soldier, known for his bravery and ingenuity during the Nigerian Civil War,” the statement said.
