Ohaneze president-general Iwuanyanwu’s great legacies will outlive him—Tinubu

As the final burial rites begin for the late President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President Bola Tinubu has praised the “remarkable accomplishments” of the late elder statesman, and commiserated with the Imo State government, the Igbo nation, as well as the Iwuanyanwu family and friends on his passing

In a two-page tribute released by the State House on Friday, the President described the late Chief Iwuanyanwu as “a colossus of many parts,” who was a “pioneer” in sports, “ingenious and resourceful” in business, “astute” in politics and “relentless” in philanthropy.

Averring that the late elder statesman lived a life of service to mankind and to his nation, President Tinubu recalled that Chief Iwuanyanwu served as board chairman of several federal agencies during his lifetime, including the Raw Materials and Research Development Council (RMRDC), of which he was pioneer chairman; the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

On Chief Iwuanyanwu’s achievements as a sports entrepreneur, the President described him as “a significant factor in Nigeria’s sports development.”

He recalled that Chief Iwuanyanwu’s football club, the Iwuanyanwu Nationale, founded in 1985 (and now known as Heartland FC) has over the years won several national and international championships.

Tinubu described the passing of Chief Iwuanyanwu as a massive loss to the nation.

The full tribute, as released by the State House:

“Tribute To The Late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu By President Bola Tinubu

“The late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a colossus of many parts. In sports, he was a pioneer; in business, he was ingenious and resourceful; in politics, he was astute, and in philanthropy, he was relentless.

“The late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo served the nation in many official capacities. He was the founding chairman of the Raw Materials and Research Development Council (RMRDC) and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) chairman.

“He also served as chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) board, founding chairman of the Nigerian National Lottery, and chairman of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi.

“I mourn the passing of this illustrious son of Nigeria.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu was courageous, defiant of injustice, and uncompromising. He had the heart of a gladiator, resolute and indomitable.

“I recall his sports exploits with the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, now Heartland F.C., which he founded in 1985. Thanks to his acclaimed facility for excellence, the club won several national and international championships. He was a significant factor in Nigeria’s sports development.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu was enterprising. He believed in Nigeria’s human and material abundance and fecundity, and his investments across sectors and the nation attest to this.

“The late elder statesman lived a life of service. With his wealth, he served his people and the nation, providing scholarships to indigent students, building schools and hospitals, and supporting many charitable causes.

“The passing of Chief Iwuanyanwu on July 25, 2024, is a massive loss to the nation. Though he lived to the advanced age of 81, his counsel and stabilising quality will be sorely missed.

“I commiserate with the Iwuanyanwu family, the government, the people of Imo State, and Ndigbo Gburugburu as the burial rites of Chief Iwuanyanwu begin in a few days.

“His life and remarkable accomplishments will always be remembered, and may God Almighty grant his soul eternal rest.”