The immediate past Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has expressed deep sadness over the death of the President General of the foremost Pan Igbo Organization, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu at the age of 83 years.

Dr Ikpeazu who described the late Chief Iwuanyanwu as a colossus of industrialization and social development, recalled the various schemes of development initiated by the late Chief Iwuanyanwu in the course of his life. He recalled particularly the establishment of Hardel and Enic Engineering Company Limited, one of the first indigenous civil engineering companies that provided job opportunities to young engineers from across Igboland.
As a believer in the power of the media, Chief Iwuanyanwu established Champion Newspapers, one of the first privately owned daily newspapers in the South East which not only elevated the practice of print journalism but provided a platform for the development of many journalists from this part of the country.

Continuing, Dr Ikpeazu also recalled the intervention of the late Chief Iwuanyanwu in sports development especially with his take over of the then football team of the government and people of the old Imo State, Spartans Football Club of Owerri which he renamed Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club of Owerri. The club, Ikpeazu noted, revolutionalized football management and ownership in Igboland and on his watch, known football stars from across Nigerian and West Africa became players of his club and brought unprecedented excitement to football lovers in the country.

Iwuanyanwu remained a recurring decimal in the sociopolitical development of Nigeria. As a frontline Igbo man, he led from the front on issues concerning the Igbo man.

“As Governor, I recall with great nostalgia, the various interfaces we had with Iwuanyanwu on pan Igbo issues. His passion for Igbo concerns was infectious and his dedication, unmistakable”.
His emergence as the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide was the perfect icing on the cake of a man whose life had been sold out completely to Igbo issues”

Dr Ikpeazu is grateful to God for the life and times of Chief Iwuanyanwu and sends his deep condolences to the wife and children of the Late Chief and indeed to the entire people of Igboland.

Adieu, Ahaejiagamba!

Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka
Spokesman to Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu,
Immediate Past Governor of Abia State.
26th July, 2024.