General News
CHIEF Tony Okoroji, Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), has expressed deep sadness over the death of elder statesman and President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Okoroji, in a statement on Friday in Lagos, described Iwuanyanwu as a great leader, a visionary, and bold personality who touched many lives.
“Iwuanyanwu and I come from Atta in Ikeduru Local Government of Imo State. He was like my elder brother and gave me needed support during his lifetime,” he said.
He recalled how Chief Iwuanyanwu stood by him during his tenure as President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN).
“He also chaired the first ever edition of the Nigerian Music Awards (NMA) held at the National Theatre in Lagos then.
“That support easily made the NMA Nigeria’s biggest annual entertainment event and transformed PMAN into one of Nigeria’s most admired organisations.
He described Iwuanyanwu popularly known with his chieftaincy title, “Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo”, as one with a name that opened doors and inspired many.
“He was a bold and visionary personality with immense elasticity of goodness which gave many of us his younger brothers, the inspiration to spread our wings and soar very high,” he said.
Okoroji lamented that Iwuanyanwu’s passing was a great loss to his country home, Atta, Igbo race, and the Nigeria at large.
“There is no question that Atta has lost a foremost son, Ikeduru has lost a unique ambassador, the Igbo race has lost a great leader, and the Nigerian nation lost a great citizen,’’ he said.
Okoroji said COSON would continue the legacy of Chief Iwuanyanwu by promoting and protecting the rights of creative professionals in Nigeria. (NAN)
26th July, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu
