Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has passed away. His son, Jide, confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday.
The announcement revealed, “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, mourns the loss of our patriarch, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.” Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a brief illness at the age of 82.
Prior to his passing, Chief Iwuanyanwu was a prominent figure, serving as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.
Here are ten key facts about the late Ohanaeze leader:
1. Born on September 4, 1942, Chief Iwuanyanwu hailed from Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
2. Renowned as one of the wealthiest individuals in the Igbo community, he began his education at St. Patrick’s School, Nkpokwu, and completed primary schooling at Holy Trinity Primary School in Umuapara before studying civil engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
3. He took office as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on April 30, 2023, after receiving ratification from the Imeobi Ohanaeze.
4. He was also the founder of the notable Champion Newspaper.
5. The well-respected Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, now known as Heartland FC, was named in his honor due to his passion for sports and significant contributions to the club.
6. Chief Iwuanyanwu established various businesses, including Hardel & Enic Construction Company, Enic Advertising Ltd, and Magil Industries Limited in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
7. His philanthropic efforts led to the creation of the Iwuanyanwu National Ambulance and Iwuanyanwu Foundation, both aimed at enhancing community welfare across Nigeria.
8. He made three presidential runs under several political parties, including the Nigeria National Congress and the All People’s Party.
9. Chief Iwuanyanwu once reflected that his greatest sorrow was the loss of his wife, Uduora Iwuanyanwu, after a marriage of over 40 years, later marrying Frances Chinonyerem Enwerem in 2013.
10. He is credited with the conception of Imo Airport, which he presented to then-military administrator General Ike Nwachukwu.
