By Juliet Umeh

Prominent Nigerians, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos State; former Commonwealth Secretary-General,  Emeka Anyaoku; Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Sam Amuka; former governor of Ogun State,  Segun Osoba, among others, yesterday paid glowing tributes to the late Igbo leader, Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

Speaking at the service of songs/night of tributes held in his honour in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Iwuanyanwu while describing him as a “man of passion, boundless energy and a true leader.”

He said: “ Iwuanyanwu’s life was a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to serving others. He was a patron and a dedicated servant to the growth and progress of not only the Igbo land but of Nigeria in general.”

The governor highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s significant contributions to various sectors, including business, media, and youth development.

He commended the late businessman for building the Iwuanyanwu Group into a thriving conglomerate and for founding the Champion newspaper, which amplified the voices of the less privileged.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also praised Iwuanyanwu’s dedication to youth empowerment through his Iwuanyanwu National Football Club, adding: “His commitment to shaping the future of our nation through youth development is truly inspiring.”

Also speaking, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku said: “Today, we mourn the loss of a distinguished Nigerian,  Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a true patriot and a visionary entrepreneur.

“ Iwuanyanwu, a renowned engineer, founded a successful construction company and made significant contributions to the development of infrastructure in Nigeria.

“His expertise extended to asphalt companies, playing a crucial role in building highways and runways across the nation.

“Beyond his business acumen, Iwuanyanwu was a dedicated leader of his people. He was deeply involved in the affairs of his community and was an unwavering advocate for the development of the Southeast Zone in Nigeria.”

On behalf of the family, the first daughter of Dr Iwuanyanwu, Nwadiuto Iwuanyanwu poured out a heartfelt tribute to her father, reflecting on his immense influence on her life and his undying love for his family.

Nwadiuto said: “My father, my strength, my superhero, my encourager — the man who believed in a female child,” recalling the deep bond she shared with her father.

She said: “He carried the world on his shoulders. As a young person, my father would fly from Europe in the morning just to visit me at school. He was a very duty-bound father.”

In her emotional tribute, Nwadiuto acknowledged the many battles her father faced in his life, including his involvement in politics, the civil war, and the challenges of three years of medical struggles. “But through it all, God showed Himself strong,” she said.

Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a highly respected businessman, politician and philanthropist, passed away recently, leaving behind an indelible legacy in the hearts of his family, friends, and countless Nigerians.

Other dignitaries that graced the occasion included: Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Okey Emuchay; Senator Ben Ndi Obi; former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Alison Madueke; Publisher of Vanguard newspaper, Mr. Sam Amuka; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Amb Greg Mbadiwe.

Others included former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; renowned Professor of Economics and erudite technocrat, Prof. Anya Anya; Prof Barth Nnaji who was represented by his wife and numerous other Nigerians.