From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Enugu
Ahead of the 80th birthday anniversary of Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, on Sunday, September 4, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described him as one of the finest among the Igbo.
Ohanaeze said Iwuanyanwu, who is the ‘Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo’ and current chairman, Ohanaeze Elders Council, is also a philanthropist par excellence, massive employer of labour, robust creative thinker, brave soldier, accomplished engineer, astute business mogul, industrialist and sagacious politician.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, yesterday, said it was celebrating Iwuanyanwu because, like the age-long remarks of Abhijit Naskar that greatness lies not in ruling a people, but in being the cause of happiness in their lives; Iwuanyanwu has so been source of happiness to Ndigbo.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze said: “To this end, there was a time in history, Iwuanyanwu was the highest employer of labour, at least in the entire East of the Niger. The Iwuanyanwu Foundation has offered scholarships to over 10,000 indigent students across the country. He has donated to universities to create conducive environments for learning; built churches and other community facilities. Over 40 years ago, Sam Mbakwe, the former governor of Old Imo State conceived the idea of an International Cargo Airport at Owerri, it was Iwuanyanwu who made the highest donation of $2 million. In politics, he has produced several chairmen of local governments, commissioners, senators, ministers and governors most of whom are still alive.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo takes a bearing from a famous admonition to the present day selfish and mundane leaders that legacy is not leaving enormous wealth behind for one’s offspring; it’s about laying invaluable foundation among the populace, especially for younger generations. Iwuanyanwu’s life mission transcends self, rather he is devoted to charity, humanity and service to God.
“We notes with immense delight the various courageous successful adventures Ahaejiagamba has made in diverse fields of endeavour. We are thus celebrating a man who used his ingenuity and talent to found over 20 limited liability companies that employed thousands of Nigerians.”
Listing the numerous companies and investments of Iwuanyanwu, and offices he had held, the organization said: “What has kept the cynics gaping is the extra-ordinary brain power and the exceptional grace of God to coordinate the above activities without weary, taint, tarnish or blemish. In spite of his amazing height in society and busy schedules, he devotes quality time in service to Ndigbo.
“The Iwuanyanwu trajectory is a veritable and inspiring tribute to virtues of hard work, sincerity, heroism, sacrifice, ingenuity, philanthropy and mentorship to the people. For instance, when his people needed his services most, he volunteered to serve as a Biafran soldier, rising to the rank of a captain at a very young age. Apart from his gallantry and exploits in the theatre of war, he was among the engineers that invented the multi-purpose Biafran bomb, called the Ogbunigwe.
His robust intellect, character comeliness, generosity, frontier spirit, perseverance and tenacity portray the infinite capacity of human beings to shape their own destinies; and a caution to the dangers of self-delusion, arrogance and get-rich-quick syndrome which have become the contemporary social variables among today youths.”