Opinion
By Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia
THE new Owerri palatial home of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide was a hive of activities as he marked his 81 birthday on Monday, September 4. Iwuanyanwu had wished a very sober and reflective birthday because of the mood of the country, hence did not extend invitation to anybody, but behold, it was an out-pour of emotions as dignitaries of diverse backgrounds from various locations gathered to show love and solidarity to the pre-eminent Igbo Leader.
While several persons joined Ahaejiagamba in his home, some other dignitaries took to the press to express their birthday wishes to the Octogenarian. The Governor of Imo State and the Chairman, the South East of Nigerian Governors Forum, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma qualified Chief Iwuanyanwu as “a living legend and one of the founders and pillars of Imo State”. Uzodimma added: ‘As a pioneer, you have made quantum contributions to Nigeria, from the Imo Airport to Blood Bank, from millions of scholarships to publishing, from real estate to construction, to sports, to philanthropy; your imprimatur is everywhere”. Uzodimma pointed out that “since he took over the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the difference is clear”.
For Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Iwuanyanwu is a “committed patriot who has done his best for the growth and development of the South East and the country in general” Soludo remarked that Ahaejiagamba “has shown a mature way of handling the affairs of Ohanaeze Ndigbo”, stressing that by his “methodical approach to leadership, Ohanaeze has achieved a lot in advancing the interest of the Ndigbo”. The erudite governor further commended Iwuanyanwu to have used “his numerous business establishments to offer employment to the teeming Igbo youths”
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Uk and Ireland chapter led by Chief Mrs Aqueen Ibeto qualified Iwuanyanwu as “an inspiring leader, a pillar of strength and support; a man with a large heart who stands for justice and fairness, a real hero and a benefactor of many lives”. The Uk leader stated that Iwuanyanwu has remained a worthy ambassador of everything good in the Igbo community both at home and in the Diaspora. Ibeto added that Iwuanyanwu has distinguished himself as a “man of large heart who stands for justice and fairness; a real hero and an outstanding purveyor of morals”
A veteran journalist, Emma Agu was not left out in the euphoria. Agu likened Ahaejiagamba to a “good wine that tastes better with age, every passing day”. According to Agu, “Iwuanyanwu keeps appreciating in value as a foremost nationalist, bridge-builder, patriot and statesman and has contributed enormously to the socio-economic development of the country”. Agu added that “the Imo State-born civil engineer, politician, philanthropist, businessman and statesman has recently turned on such spectacular public service credentials that confirm his standing as an exceptionally gifted patriot, organizer, trailblazer and national icon”. Agu informs that Ahaejiagamba has in the twenty years that he had the privilege of working with him “registered an indelible impression on him as a compassionate and foremost advocate of justice, equity and fairness qualities” the rare and sterling qualities he inherited from “his parents, Pa Bernard and Lady Hulder Iwuanyanwu, both of the blessed memory from Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government of Imo State in Nigeria”. The Agu impression is not in contrast with the general attestation that “Iwuanyanwu has always espoused the view that equity, justice and fairness were irreducible requirements, indeed spiritual conditions for peace and all human progress to which he was ready to commit every effort and every resource at his disposal. Agu added that the Igbo ethnic and Nigeria as a whole should be grateful that, Iwuanyanwu at 81, is “deploying his rich experience in Nigerian politics, wide social network and the formidable bridges he has built over the years as a philanthropist and statesman, in the task of building a Nigeria in which his Igbo, like every other ethnic group, is providing a level playing field to not only enjoy the bounties of the earth but to guarantee a strong and united country that would be able to withstand the inevitable headwinds of nation-building”.
The Acting National Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu stated: “In politics, you have made indelible marks; in business, you have performed beyond expectations and demonstrated an uncommon capacity. You are a symbol of Igbo greatness, courage and boldness. You have indeed inspired and motivated Ndigbo across the globe”
For the Ikeduru Union in the Uk, they wished Ahaejiagamba a wonderful and glorious birthday. The goodwill message signed by Chief Raph Nwosu and Cosmas Sylvanus prayed to God, in His infinite mercies to grant Ahaejiagamba a long life in good health. On his own part, Prince Ubochi C. U bochi, the Traditional Prime Minister of Amaifeke, wished the Igbo Leader “the best of everything because he deserves it today and always”
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Global was not left out in the celebration of the iconic Igbo Leader. In a release signed by Chief Mrs Aqueen Ibeto, the Convener, and Emenike Anigbogu, the group expressed that the 81 years of Chief Iwuanyanwu is a monumental achievement that marks wisdom, unassailable leadership qualities and a lifetime of exceptional contributions to humanity. They qualified Chief Iwuanyanwu as a global entity who has been striving for the upliftment of Ndigbo around the world. They enthused that they are “elated that a quintessential Igbo Leader, the Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo has taken up the role of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and that his resilience and cognate experience are great assets and enormous benefits to Ndigbo”
And for the National Executive Committee (NEC) and indeed all the organs of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Iwuanyanwu is an awesome leader with an incredible physical prowess, an extra-ordinary creative thinker and a transformative imaginative visionary. Indeed, “a new Ohanaeze Ndigbo is born”
***Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.
A.
-September. 05, 2023 @ 17:33 GMT |
Tags: Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia Chief Mrs Aqueen Ibeto Chief Raph Nwosu Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia Emenike Anigbogu Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Prince Ubochi C. U bochi Professor Chukwuma Soludo Senator Hope Uzodimma
