Nigeria Mourns the Passing of Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, a Legendary Leader and Philanthropist
The National Burial Committee for the late President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, has announced a series of tributes and funeral rites to honor the life and legacy of this distinguished national icon. The ceremonies will take place in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and his hometown of Atta, Ikeduru Local Government Area, from October 16 to November 1, 2024.
The chairman of the National Burial Committee, Sen. Ben Obi, revealed the plans at an interactive engagement with online publishers in Abuja. The committee’s sub-committee on Media and Publicity, led by Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, provided details of the elaborate arrangement, which aims to "regenerate interest" on the persona of Chief Iwuanyanwu as the generation that knew him has largely passed on.
The funeral rites will begin with a Day of Tributes in Lagos on October 16, followed by another Day of Tributes in Abuja on October 18. On October 26, Chief Iwuanyanwu’s body will arrive Enugu, en-route Owerri, for a grand reception and tributes at the OHANEZE Headquarters and Michael Okpara Square. The climax of the funeral rites will take place on October 29, with a Service of Songs in Owerri, before the final Commendation Service and Interment on November 1 in his hometown.
Mr. Ikechukwu described Chief Iwuanyanwu as a "gift of God to Ndigbo, to this country and to the world in general," highlighting his significant impact on the Nigerian economy through investments in media, banking, sports, aviation, and philanthropy. The burial ceremonies will celebrate and immortalize Chief Iwuanyanwu’s propriety and sense of value, as well as his contributions to nation building, group cohesion, and the struggle for equity in national life.
Federal, state governors, and local government functionaries, as well as major regional political and socio-cultural organizations, elder statesmen and women, youth and women organizations, have reaffirmed their individual and collective resolve to give Mr. Iwuanyanwu a befitting burial. The committee expressed profound gratitude to all Nigerians and well-wishers across the globe and the media for their outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
As the nation mourns the passing of this legendary leader and philanthropist, his family, friends, and associates will gather to celebrate his life and legacy, reflecting on the many lives, communities, and sectors he touched during his long and eventful life.
