Iwuanyanwu for burial in Imo Nov 1
By Jeffrey Agbo
President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, will be buried on November 1, 2024.
Chairman of the National Burial Committee, Senator Ben Obi, made this known at a press briefing on Thursday.
Obi said the funeral rites would span across several days to allow people from all parts of the country to pay their final respects.
Iwuanyanwu died on July 25, 2024.
“The funeral programme will commence on Wedensday, October 16 2024, with a Day of Tributes in Lagos. This event will bring together leaders from all walks of life – political, business, religious, and cultural sectors – to reflect on Chief Iwuanyanwu’s immense contributions to the development of Nigeria and the Igbo people in particular.
“On Friday October 18th 2024 a Day of tributes will be held in Abuja, the nation’s capital. This solemn event will allow friends, colleagues, and dignitaries in the federal capital territory to honour the life of a man whose vision and leadership were pivotal in shaping the course of national discourse.
“Following this, on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, Chief Iwuanyanwu’s body will arrive in Enugu State en-route Owerri, where a grand reception will hold first, at the OHANEZE Headquatres and then The Micheal Okpara Square in Enugu. These events will showcase the rich Igbo culture and heritage that Chief Iwuanyanwu championed throughout his life.
“The climax of the funeral rites will take place on Tuesday 29th October, 2024, beginning with a Commendation Service at the Owerri. After the service, his body will be conveyed to his hometown, Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area, for a final Funeral Service and Interment on the 1st of November 2024,” Obi said.
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The committee noted that Iwuanyanwu performed with distinction in the media, sports, politics and business where he left lasting impressions.
“As publisher of Champion Newspaper, he brought a strong and credible voice into Nigeria’s media space. The newspaper presented informed perspectives, projected public interest news and also maintained a balanced reporting of critical national development and policy issues,” it said.
“Oriental Airlines, the flagship of aviation service in the South East route was the brainchild of Ahaejiagamba. He set it up, nurtured it and created new paradigms in the aviation services by focusing on what is important to the people.
“Beyond setting up the airline, our late leader put down 2 million dollars of his hard-earned money towards the construction of the now-very-strategic Sam Mbakwe Airport in Imo State.
“He made our people proud with Iwuanyanwu Nationale football team, which became both a rallying sports platform and a symbol of group pride.”
The committee thanked the five South-East governors led by Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, and the governors of Enugu, Anambra, Abia and Ebonyi for their immense commitment to the funeral.
“In line with Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacy of unity, the committee is ensuring that all events are inclusive, dignified, and accessible to all who wish to pay their last respects. We appreciate the continued support and ask for your prayers as we honour a great man who has left an indelible mark on our nation,” Obi said.