The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, paid his final tribute to business tycoon, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, describing him as a patriot and a dedicated servant to the growth and progress of not only the Igbo land but of Nigeria in general.
The governor speaking at the service of songs and night of tributes to the late Imo State business mogul in Lagos, said every role the late Iwuanyanwu undertook, he embodied excellence and left a lasting legacy.
“As a business icon, Chief Iwuanyanwu built the Iwuanyanwu Group into a powerhouse, an enviable business conglomerate that spans several industries. His contribution to the media space gave birth to what we know today as the Champion newspaper. It amplified the voice of the less privileged and he gave hope to the hopeless, strengthening the voice of the Press in our country, his commitment to youth and youth development is equally inspiring.
“In politics, Chief Emmanuel was a respected elder statesman and a champion of unity. His voice resonated particularly in advocating not only for Igbo but for Nigeria at home and promoting across our nation.
“His message was a message of a diverse ethnic group and appreciating that we could be different, but we’re all the same.
”His philanthropic efforts are a reflection of his generous spirit. Through his foundation, countless scholarships were awarded to underprivileged students, and his support for his community touched lives beyond his state of Imo, state and here in Lagos, we felt it and beyond his commitment to improving education and expanding opportunities for the less fortunate and less privileged will forever stand as part of his enduring legacy.”
He added that the late Imo business tycoon is worth celebrating courtesy of his tremendous contributions not only in the South East but in the entire nation, stressing that he was indeed a giant of his time as the nation would mourn his passing.
“We are certainly comforted by the great legacy of integrity, the legacy of nation building, compassion and ensuring that no one is left behind, that he has indeed left us behind and therefore, on behalf of the people and government of Lagos state, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to members of the family, to all friends, to all his associates, and to everyone that our father, our leader, an icon of our time, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu names to all of us may his gentle soul, rest in perfect peace,” he averred.
Also speaking, the former Commonwealth Secretary General, Emeka Anyaoku, said the late Iwuanyanwu was a patriot and a true professional involved in several businesses.
“He was a devoted leader of his people in the war and also, at the same time, an unquestionable Nigerian patriot. Only last May, he joined former President Obasanjo and myself in writing letters to the five governors of the South East Zone, inviting them to a meeting with us to discuss the development, our collaboration in the development of the South East Zone.
“Unfortunately, Chief Iwuanyanwu was not able to attend the meeting that former President Obasanjo and I had with the five governors. He was not able to attend the meeting at the last minute because of his ill health.
“And so, finally, I would say that we are saying adieu to a man who was a true icon. His title in the Igbo language is Ahaejagamba, a name which, in a journey, takes you through towns and communities unhindered. That was the name he bore. That was the name his people in Igbo gave him and that was the name that they will remember him for,” he added.
On her part, his first daughter, Nwadiuto Iwuanyanwu, described her father as a man loved by many, saying that he would be missed greatly for his dedication and commitment to excellence and hard work.
