Tributes flowed freely in all directions from prominent Nigerians as the late President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief (Engr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was laid to rest at his country home, Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State.

The country home of the late leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo was full of activities, as Nigerians from all walks of life converged at Umuohi Atta to pay their last respect to the late President-General.

In a funeral service conducted at the Diocese of Ikeduru, the Primate of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, in a sermon, described the late Iwuanyanwu as “a fearless leader who always advocated for the general well-being of common citizens mostly the South-East region”.

Primate Ndukauba hinted that the late Ohanaeze boss never looked the other way on the things that concerns Ndigbo, remarking that he stood on the side of truth as he continued deprecated how the zone is being treated as second class citizens.

He pointed out that it will be very difficult for Ndigbo to have some body like Iwuanyanwu, who he said, never relented in pursuing for the betterment of the Igbo race in Nigeria.

He said:”People are not only hungry but angry. We have no reason for any Nigerian to be hungry. It’s annoying that some leaders receive palliative only to go and hide them.

The Prelate also told Nigerian leaders that what the masses see are different from their expectations.

“What they are seeing is different from what they expect”, he regretted.

The cleric reminded those in leadership positions that “responsibility requires accountability.”
He also urged leaders to invest in youths who he said, are the future of the country.

Ndukauba prayed that God should provide for Ndigbo somebody like the late leader who will always speak truth to power until the right thing is done.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by the Secretary of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, in his tribute, maintained that Iwuanyanwu was a true patriot and national leader who through his numerous contributions which promoted national unity.

He further maintained that the demise of Chief Iwuanyanwu remains a colossal loss to the nation, stressing that his engineering expertise contributed immensely in the construction of airport runways in the country.

In his tribute, the Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, said that the gathering was not to mourn Iwuanyanwu, but to celebrate him for giving his best service to humanity.

Uzodinma further said that the late Igbo leader believed in a united and peaceful Nigeria which he has worked for even till death.

The Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, represented by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, described late Chief Iwuanyanwu as a trailblazer, nationalist and committed Igbo patron, who he said, will be remembered for his self sacrifice to Igbo course.

The burial ceremony was attended by prominent politicians which included, the presidential candidate of Labour Party during the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi; wife of the former Nigeria President, Patience GoodLuck Jonathan; former Chief of Army staff, Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika; former Senate presidents from the South-East zone; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and host of others.

Others were the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje; Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State; Governor Alex Otti of Abia State; former Military Governor of Old Imo State, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd); and ex-Govs Rochas Okorocha, and Emeka Ihedioha both of Imo State.

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Oko Chukwu and Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa.

Speaking, former Senate President, Wabara, described Iwuanyanwu as a great leader and monumental asset, lamenting that his exit is a huge loss to the Igbo nation.

He said the late Ohanaeze PG left enduring legacies and prayed God to comfort members of the immediate family and Ndigbo in general.

Similarly, former Abia Deputy Governor, Dr Oko Chukwu, said Iwuanyanwu was among great Igbo leaders who championed Igbo cause with great passion.

He prayed for the eternal repose of his soul, while urging the family to be consoled by his enduring legacies.