The Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has paid a condolence visit to the family of its late President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, in Owerri, Imo State.
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, on Wednesday, said the condolence visit, which took place on Tuesday, was led by Amb Okey Emuchay, the Secretary General of the organisation.
Emuchay described the death of the Igbo leader as a blow to the Igbo nation and a death too many, according to the statement, while noting that Iwuanyanwu’s passing has left “everybody in a quandary.”
He said, “Ahaejiagamba was an amazing person in many ways and we will always treasure the time we had with him as our President General.
“Iwuanyanwu was a man who was fervently committed to the Igbo cause. His preoccupation was Igbo in all ramifications. He was a man who had related with people from diverse fields of human endeavour and developed genuine friendships and contacts throughout Igbo land, particularly in many parts of the world. He deployed his business and political acumen in the service of Igbo land.
He had the welfare of the Igbo in his thoughts until his last breath,” the Ohanaeze scribe was quoted as saying.
Emuchay added that the best we can do for Iwuanyanwu to sustain his legacies is to implement the enviable visions and programmes he had articulated in Ohanaeze Ndigbo for a better Igbo land.
He also acknowledged that the death of Ahaejiagamba is heartbreaking; however, since death is a part of our existential reality, we shall find solace in the superlative memories of his lifetime. On behalf of the NEC of Ohanaeze, the various organs of Ohanaeze, and indeed all the sons of Igbo land, we send our deepest sympathy at this most challenging moment.
He added that while we urge you to bear this irreparable loss, we assure you that Ndigbo all over the world will strive in unison to give our father a befitting farewell.”
Responding, the first son of the late Igbo leader, Mr Jidechukwu Iwuanyanwu, thanked Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the condolence visit and the kind words, as noted in the statement.
“He stated that there has been an overwhelming outpouring of emotions from all parts of the world since Ahaejiagamba departed.
“He thanked God for the grace to cope with the mourning challenges.
“The wife of Iwuanyanwu, Mrs Frances, who was almost speechless, expressed gratitude to the Ohanaeze delegation,” the statement indicated.
The Ohanaeze members in the delegation include Amb Okey Emuchay, Dr Kingsley Chidozie, Chief Afam Okeke-Ogene, Mr Chukwuemeka Ogwu, Chief Okeagu Ogadah, Dr Selina Ugwuoke-Adibuah, Mrs Beatrice Eze, Chief Bartholomew Okere, Mr Joseph Ojobu, Chief Michael Nnakwuzie, Hon Ezechi Chukwu, Elder Nnanna Egwu, Mr Peter Aneke (PhD), Comrade Okey Paul Nwankwo, Prince Emeka Udodeme, Hon Prince Frank Nwandu, Chief Peter Mbam, Prof Fred Eze, Chief Lucky Ekeji, and Mr Damian Okafor, the National Youth Leader, including Mazi Ambrose Obioha.
