Ohanaeze Ndigbo South-South Zone Commits to Upholding Legacies of Late Leader Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu

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Following the burial of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the late president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, South-South coordinator Frank Nwandu pledges to preserve his legacy and promote Igbo heritage while fostering regional cooperation.

In a solemn yet resolute gathering, the South-South zone of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has pledged to uphold the legacies of its late president-general, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. This commitment was articulated during a press conference held in Owerri on Saturday, following the emotional burial of the elder statesman and prominent business mogul on November 1, 2024. His death has left a profound impact on the Igbo community and the broader Nigerian society.

Frank Nwandu, the zone’s coordinator and president of the association in Delta State, described Chief Iwuanyanwu as a significant rallying point for the Igbo people, whose contributions transcended regional boundaries. His unwavering dedication to the Igbo cause and his efforts to ensure the growth and preservation of the Igbo heritage were evident in the lives he touched and the initiatives he championed throughout his distinguished career. Nwandu emphasized the importance of carrying forward Iwuanyanwu’s vision, which focused on the unification and empowerment of the Igbo people across Nigeria.

In his address, Nwandu recalled the late leader’s numerous efforts to revive the zonal leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He noted that Iwuanyanwu’s vision included strengthening collaboration among the different factions within the organization, promoting unity, and ensuring that the collective voice of the Igbo people was heard at national and international levels. “Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu earned the title Ahaejiagamba for a reason. He was our rallying point,” Nwandu stated passionately, “and we are committed to ensuring that his legacies, which include comprehensive efforts to realize the goals of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, endure.”

The late Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo were not limited to leadership alone; he was instrumental in advocating for the rights and interests of the Igbo people within the Nigerian political landscape. His work included negotiating peace and promoting dialogue among various ethnic groups, ensuring that the Igbo perspective was considered in national discourse. This legacy of advocacy and unity remains critical, especially as Nigeria continues to navigate its complex socio-political landscape.

Also addressing the media was Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, the coordinator for the South-South youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. He expressed gratitude to the zone’s youths, who turned out en masse to pay their respects to Iwuanyanwu, demonstrating the profound influence he had on the younger generation. Arthur-Ugwa, who also serves as the financial secretary for the Ohanaeze Youth Wing Worldwide, highlighted the significance of maintaining a strong bond among the youth to ensure the continuity of Iwuanyanwu’s vision. He thanked the organization’s acting youth president, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, for honoring the late leader with the presentation of a lion masquerade. This masquerade, he noted, symbolizes the strength and determination that characterized Iwuanyanwu’s leadership style.

“The lion masquerade is a fitting symbol of our late leader’s lionlike strength and unwavering determination,” Arthur-Ugwa remarked. He emphasized the need for South-South youths of Ohanaeze to remain steadfast in their loyalty to the organization and their commitment to promoting the values of patriotism and service to the Igbo community. By engaging the youth in leadership roles and initiatives, he believes that Ohanaeze Ndigbo can foster a new generation of leaders who will continue to advocate for the rights and interests of the Igbo people.

Nwandu’s commitment to working closely with other South-South leaders was echoed by several prominent figures in attendance. Among them was Rita Daniels, the women leader of Ohanaeze, who emphasized the vital role that women play in sustaining the Igbo culture and community. She called for more inclusive policies that empower women within the organization, recognizing their contributions as key to the growth of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Other notable leaders present included Remigius Ekwem, Lucky Ezeji, Ezekwere Ide, Mazi Gift Amadi, Kaycee Chidiadi, and Patrick Ugwu. Each leader contributed to the discussions, reaffirming their dedication to carrying on Iwuanyanwu’s legacy. Their collective voices underscored a shared commitment to promoting regional cooperation and achieving the lofty goals of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

As the community mourns the loss of Chief Iwuanyanwu, the commitment expressed by the South-South zone signifies a renewed resolve to uphold his vision and ideals. The call to action resonates deeply, reminding the Igbo people of the importance of unity, cooperation, and the preservation of their cultural heritage in the face of modern challenges.

The late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was laid to rest in his hometown of Atta, located in the Ikeduru council area of Imo State. His burial was attended by numerous dignitaries and community members, reflecting the immense respect and admiration he commanded throughout his life. As the South-South zone of Ohanaeze Ndigbo moves forward, the legacy of Iwuanyanwu will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light, inspiring generations to come.