Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) and Ogun Gov. Dapo Abiodun, has described the death of the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as a profound loss to the nation.
In a statement on Thursday, Abiodun said he received the news of the death of the businessman, publisher, and politician with shock.
The late businessman owned The Champion Newspapers. His business had also grown into a conglomerate of over 20 companies, including Enic Advertising Ltd; Magil Industries Limited; National Post Newspapers; Sunrise Insurance Brokers; Oriental Shipping Lines Limited; Paradise City Hotel, Calabar and Oriental Airlines.
Abiodun said as President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people, Chief Iwuanyanwu worked tirelessly to preserve the unity of the country with his various, timely interventions at critical times when contentious issues were raging.
He said: “I received with shock, the news of the death of the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. His passing at this critical time when his counselling as an elder statesman is needed is saddening.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was a remarkable leader, statesman, and patriot who dedicated his life to promoting the unity, progress, and well-being of the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a whole.
“His contributions to fostering inter-ethnic harmony, peaceful co-existence, and mutual understanding between the diverse peoples of our country were huge.
“His death is a profound loss not only for the Igbo nation but Nigeria as a whole.
Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacy of selfless service, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our dear country will forever be remembered and celebrated.
“On behalf of the Southern Governors’ Forum, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, the Ohaneze Ndigbo family, the entire South-East region and Nigeria as a whole.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may God grant his loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Once again, we mourn with you and pray that the Almighty God will console and comfort the South-East region during this difficult time.”
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