Lagos state governor, Sanwo-Olu, and other notable dignitaries at the service of songs for the late Chief Emmanuel Inwuayanwu have lauded the exemplary life style of the publisher of Champion Newspapers, describing him as a detribalised Nigerian.
Some of the dignitaries used the occasion to call for the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to ignite cross-border peace, harmony and unity in Nigeria.
At the well attended event, Sanwo-Olu said the late Igbo leader was a detribalised Nigerian, a patriot who was concerned about the progress of not only the Igbo land but of the country as a whole.
Speaking on his legacies, Sanwo-Olu said, “He embodied excellence and left a lasting legacy. As a business icon, Chief Iwuanyanwu built the Iwuanyanwu group into a power house, an enviable business conglomerate.
“He gave voice to the less privileged and hope to the hopeless. His commitment to youths and their development is really inspiring. He founded the Iwuanyanwu Nationale and used sports to empower the youths as a testament to his dedication to shaping the future of the nation
“In politics, he was a respected elder statesman and champion of youths. He lived a life of service and purpose. Today, we are not mourning but here to celebrate the remarkable life of a true Nigerian.
“His philanthropic efforts are a reflection of his generous spirit. Through his foundation, countless scholarships were awarded to underprivileged students, and his support for his community touched lives beyond his state of Imo, and here in Lagos, we felt it and beyond his commitment to improving education and expanding opportunities for the less fortunate and less privileged will forever stand as part of his enduring legacy.”
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, described Chief Iwuanyanwu as an outstanding Nigerian patriot and devoted leader of the people, who left a great legacy in various areas of the private sector.
“He was a versatile professional and business man. He was so versatile that he founded a conglomerate of over 20 companies. His death is a huge loss. We are saying adieu to a true icon.
“From Chief Iwuanyanwu, you would learn the virtue of hard work and integrity. In May, he joined former President Olusegun Obasanjo and myself in writing to the five governors of the South East zone to convene them for a meeting to discuss the development of the zone, which was held on July 2nd. Unfortunately, he could not attend because of his illness,” the elder statesman stated.
A retired Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Samuel Kalu Uche, noted that Chief Iwuanyanwu laboured for the unity of Nigeria since the civil war period.
He further said Chief Iwuanyanwu died as a Christian who ‘had no skeleton in his cupboard’ and had gone to be with the Lord.
According to him, “People are still being oppressed and marginalised in Nigeria, causing inequality in the nation. That is why a Yoruba man went to London recently to request for a Yoruba Nation, and yet, he was not arrested.”
The cleric called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally, adding that this should be done for unity, love and peace to reign.
Giving her tribute, the first daughter of the celebrated icon and Group Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, Dr. Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, adored her father as a superhero who believed in female children.
Dr. Iheakanwa, who disclosed that she was her father’s only child for nine years before the arrival of other siblings, said Chief Iwuanyanwu was a true gift, duty-bound and proud of all his children.
Amongst prominent Nigerians who graced the occasion were former governor of Ogun state, Aremo Segun Osoba, Senator Ben Obi, former Chief of General Staff, Ebitu Ukiwe, Prof. Anya O. Anya, Sam Amuka Pemu, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Chief Chika Okafor, Otunba Ganiyu Adams and one time Chief of Naval Staff, retired Admiral Allison Madueke.