The President General of the apex Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has died at the age of 82.
His son, Jide Iwuanyanwu, announced his death in a statement on behalf of the family on Thursday.
According to the statement, “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo state announces the demise of our Patriach Engr, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.
“He died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged 82.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children and grand children, including Dr Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa -Managing Director, Champion Group of newspapers. Details of the burial will be announced later by the family after due consultations.”
Born on 4 September, 1942, Iwuanyanwu was a Nigerian politician and businessman, considered one of the richest Igbo men in Nigeria.
Iwuanyanwu was the 11th President-General of Ọhanaeze Ndigbo; preceded by George Obiozor.
In 1963, he gained admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he studied Civil Engineering. Because of his notable feats in academics while in his early years in the University, he was awarded the prestigious German Academic Exchange Scholarship covering fees, boarding, holiday tickets and feeding, promptly facilitated by the Federal Republic of Germany. This award was for a few talented students of African descent.
He was the founder of the Daily Champion newspaper.
He had attempted to be president of Nigeria three times and failed on all occasions.
He was the founder of the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club (now Heartland F.C.), which won several national and international championships. He was the Chairman, National Sports Development Fund, and, Chairman, Nigerian Football Association USA “94” and Cup of Nations Fund Raising Committee.
