…As British envoy mourns
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The leadership of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has visited the family of its late President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
This is as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has mourned the exit of the late Ohanaeze PG.
Ohanaeze delegation to Iwuanyanwu’s family was led by the body’s Secretary General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay.
Emuchay, according to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, described the death of the Igbo leader as “a blow to the Igbo nation and a death too many.”
He stated that the death of the Igbo Leader “has left everybody in a quandary.”
“Ahaejiagamba was an amazing person in many ways and we will always treasure the time we had with him as our President General,” Emuchay was quoted as saying.
The statement further read: “Iwuanyanwu was the man who was fervently committed to Igbo cause. His preoccupation was Igbo in all ramifications.
“He was a man who had related with persons of diverse fields of human endeavour and developed genuine friends and contacts in all parts of Igboland in particular, and most parts of the world.
“He deployed his business and political acumen in the service of Igboland. He had the welfare of the Igbo in his thoughts until his last breath. Emuchay added that the best we can do for Iwuanyanwu to sustain his legacies is to implement the enviable visions and programmes he had articulated in Ohanaeze Ndigbo for a better Igbo land.”
Emuchay acknowledged that the death of Ahaejiagamba is heart breaking, however, said “since death is a part of our existential reality, we shall find solace in the superlative memories of his lifetime. On behalf of the NEC of Ohanaeze, the various organs of Ohanaeze and indeed all the sons of Igboland, we send our deepest sympathy at this most challenging moment.
“While we urge you to bear this irreparable loss, we assure you that Ndigbo all over the world will strive in unison to bid our father a befitting farewell,” Emuchay said.
Responding, Mr Jidechukwu Iwuanyanwu, the first son of Chief Iwuanyanwu, thanked Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the condolence visit and the kind words.
He stated that there had been an overwhelming out-pour of emotions from all parts of the world since Ahaejiagamba departed.
He thanked God for the grace to contend with the mourning challenges. The wife of Iwuanyanwu, Mrs Frances Iwuanyanwu who was almost speechless, expressed gratitude to the Ohanaeze delegation.
Other chieftains of Ohanaeze on the delegation were Dr Kingsley Lawrence Chidozie, Chief Afam Okeke-Ogene, Mr. Chukwuemeka Festus Ogwu, Chief Barr. Okeagu Ogadah, Dr Mrs Selina Ugwuoke-Adibuah, and Hon. Mrs Beatrice Onyekachi Eze.
Others were Chief Bartholomew O. Okere, Joseph Obinamma Ojobu, Chief Michael M. Nnakwuzie, Hon. Ezechi Chukwu; Elder Nnanna Gilbert Egwu, Peter Chidera Aneke, PhD; Comrade Okey Paul Nwankwo, Prince Emeka Festus Udodeme, Hon. Prince Frank Nwandu, and Chief Peter Obasi Mbam.
Professor Fred Eze, Chief. Lucky Achinihu Ekeji, Damian Okafor, and Mazi Ambrose Obioha, were also part of the delegation.
Meanwhile, the British envoy in a condolence message made available to Ikengaonline, said he received with great sadness, news of the passing on of Chief lwuanyanwu.
It further read: “Losing a loved one can be a painful experience, and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I recall my meeting with him last year when I visited Enugu and paid him a courtesy visit at the Ohanaeze Secretariat.
“He shared with me his plans for Ohanaeze Ndigbo which were laudable. We discussed building bridges between the United Kingdom and Ndigbo of Southeast Nigeria, on which I welcomed his wise advice.
“I left with many insights from a man who wanted to do good things for his people. On behalf of the British High Commission in Nigeria I send you our heartfelt condolences.
“May his legacies continue to speak for him. My condolences to the entire family, and the Ohanaeze ndi Igbo.”
Chief Iwuanyanwu, who was completing the tenure of the late Ambassador George Obiozor, died last month at the age of 82.
