The late President-General of Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu will be buried in his hometown, Atta in Ikeduru LGA, Imo State on November 1st.
Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25th after a brief illness at the age of 82.
Briefing members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) on Monday in Abuja, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, who represented Senator Ben Obi, the chairman of the national planning for the burial of the late founder of Champion Newspapers, said preparations for Iwuanyawu’s burial had reached advanced stages.
Ikechukwu who described the late Ohaneze Ndigbo leader as a national icon, leader, business mogul, sports philanthropist and patriot, emphasised that all necessary arrangements are being put in place to give the respected elder statesman a burial worthy of his status.
The committee’s representative announced that the funeral programme will commence on Wednesday, October 16 2024, with a Day of Tributes in Lagos to be held at Eko Hotels and Suites.
This will be followed by another Day of Tributes in Abuja, on Friday October 18th 2024 at the National Ecumenical Centre.
Following this, on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, Chief Iwuanyanwu’s body will arrive Enugu, en-route Owerri. There shall be a grand reception first, at the Ohaneze Headquarters and then Tributes at the Micheal Okpara Square before departure to Owerri.
The climax of the funeral rites will take place on Tuesday 29th , October, 2024, beginning with a Service of Songs in the Owerri, then the body will be conveyed to his hometown, Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area, for a final Commendation Service and Interment on the 1st of November 2024.
Ikechukwu told online publishers that the Federal Government, state governors and governments, major regional political and sociocultural organizations, elderstatesmen and women, youth and women organizations have reaffirmed their individual and collective resolve to give Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu a befitting burial.
He said: “I should use this occasion to express our profound gratitude to all Nigerians and well-wishers across the globe and the media, for their outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. This is perhaps not entirely surprising, given that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, is one of the few Nigerians who can be described as a gift of God to Ndigbo, to this country and to the world in general. He touched many lives, communities and sectors in his long and eventful life. He invested heavily in nation building, group cohesion and the struggle for equity in our national life”.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Ikechukwu gave a brief recollection of the late Ohaneze Ndigbo’s achievements. He noted that Iwuanyanwu performed with distinction as an investor in the media, aviation, sports even as he was a force in politics.
He said: “As publisher of Champion Newspapers, 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 in matters of national development and public policy issues.
“Oriental Airlines, the flagship of aviation service in the South East route, was the brainchild of Ahaejiagamba. He set it up, nurtured it to maturity and created new paradigms in aviation services by focusing on “what is important to the people”
He added: “Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu made our people proud with the Iwuanyanwu Nationale football team, which became both a rallying sports platform and a symbol of group pride.
“Ahaejiagamba’s political aspirations were tied to his subsisting desire to positively impact the life of the people and help in driving development by using the best, and highest, global standards for responsible leadership.
“There is a lot more to be said about this great man, but I would like to leave it here for now and bring you up to date on the detailed programs and activities lined up for his final journey”.
Ikechukwu stated that 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.
He expressed appreciation for support the committee has received and asked for prayers as the countdown to the burial begins.
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