Fedpolynek Rector Dr Igbokwe Joined Leaders, Dignitaries To Bid Farewell To Elder Statesman Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu

By Noble Uchegbu Zachariah Uchechukwu …

In a solemn yet celebratory gathering, Nigeria bade farewell to Chief Engr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, at the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew in Atta, Ikeduru. The ceremony was marked by an outpouring of respect and gratitude for a life filled with monumental achievements and service to the nation.

Centre: Louis M. Alozie SAN: University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), PRESIDENT , Owerri Branch

Delivering a poignant sermon, the Archbishop and Metropolitan of All Nigeria, His Grace Henry Ndukuba, urged attendees to lead lives of impact; grounded in values rather than material pursuits. He emphasized that wealth and possessions hold no value in eternity and called on the federal government to adopt a new constitution that genuinely reflects the aspirations and yearnings of Nigerians.

Governor Hope Uzodimma

In honor of the late elder statesman’s contributions, Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, announced that the newly constructed International Conference Centre in Owerri would bear Iwuanyanwu’s name, noting that establishing the international standard facility as Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre would serve as a lasting tribute to a hero of not only Igbo nation but Nigeria at large.

Dignitaries from across the country gathered to pay their respects. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, joined a host of political leaders, including Senate President’s representative Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Nigerian First Lady Dame Patience Faka Jonathan, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Governors Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti of Abia, and host Governor Uzodimma.

Senator Abaribe

Former First Lady, Lady Patience Jonathan

Notable figures such as former Senate Presidents Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, Sen. Ken Nnamani, and Sen. Adolphus Wabara were also present. Former Governors, including Chief Achike Udenwa, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON, Sen. Rochas Okorocha, former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Kano State and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Dr. Umar Ganduje, Imo Deputy Governor Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, as well as Deputy Governors of Anambra and Ebonyi representing their states, Service Chiefs, Traditional Rulers, and numerous National and State Assembly members attended; just as various cultural and regional organizations, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, PANDEF, Afenifere, and the University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association, added to the event’s significance with their presence.

Former Anambra state Governor Peter Obi and Enugu state Governor Peter Mbah

The 9th Substantive Rector Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Dr Basilia Igbokwe Igbokwe at the funeral

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri Imo State, Dr. Basilia Igbokwe, remarked that as Nigerians across the country reflect on Iwuanyanwu’s legacy, his contributions to infrastructure, unity, and leadership across boards continue to resonate.

Speaking with Alaigbo TV Correspondents at the funeral, Dr. Igbokwe reiterated that the event served as a reminder of late Chief Iwuanyanwu’s impact on generations past and future, ensuring that his memory and influence will endure, hence charged Nigerians to be patriotic anywhere they find themselves.

Dr Igbokwe

The Rector equàlly urges Staff and Students of Federal Polytechnic Nekede to intentionally and purposefully live each day to impact their generation and be celebrated like the Late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, MFR OFR CFR FNSE FNIST, Ahaejiagamba 1 of Ndigbo, adding that good name and good deeds pay.