President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, led other prominent Nigerians to pay tribute to the late president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, at a funeral service in his honour.

Dignitaries from different walks of life converged on the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew, Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo, venue of the church service.

In a tribute, Mr Tinubu described Mr Iwuanyanwu as a “true hero, visionary leader and committed nationalist,” who distinguished himself by preserving the nation’s territorial integrity.

“In his lifetime, Iwuanyanwu dedicated himself and his God-endowed resources in several endeavours to uplifting communities, friends and the underprivileged.

“As a nationalist, Iwuanyanwu championed nation building by promoting unity and harmony among diverse communities, tribes and religious divides,” Mr Tinubu said.

He further said that Mr Iwuanyanwu’s leadership as the 11th president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo was signposted by general acceptability, collaboration and unity.

Mr Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,  George Akume, commiserated with the family of the late icon, describing his death as “a colossal loss to the nation”.

The president assured Nigerians that his administration had taken bold economic steps to secure the future of Nigerian children.

Also, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, described Mr Iwuanyanwu as “a trail blazer”, who recorded outstanding successes in the facets of business, politics, social and economic investments.

Mr Akpabio, represented by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, said as Ohaneze Ndigbo leader, Mr Iwuanyanwu, never ignored a national cause to make Nigeria a better place.

“He pursued issues of justice and equity with a nationalistic consciousness,” Mr Akpabio said.

In a remark, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo commended governors of the South-East for providing leadership and resources towards the successful burial of the late elder statesman.

Mr Uzodimma said that Iwuanyanwu died as a leader in service, fighting for the cause of mankind, Igbo people and Nigeria in general.

“He believed in a united and peaceful Nigeria, where justice and equity reigned.

“He believed in Nigeria, where Igbo people will thrive in peace, along with other tribes and fellow citizens.

“He was a peacemaker, life saver, selfless leader, a compassionate father, grandfather and husband,” Mr Uzodimma said.

The governor renamed the new ultramodern International Conference Centre after the late nationalist, as part of the initiatives to immortalise him.

In a sermon, the Archbishop, Primate and Metropolitan of all Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, spoke on the topic, “Serving the purpose of God in our generation.“

Mr Ndukuba, who took his sermon from the Acts of the Apostles 13:36, urged all to live a sacrificial life of humanity.

The cleric said that part of the will of God is for man to labour in dignity, live a life of salvation, and serve God and humanity.

He said that Nigeria was facing a crisis of confidence in its leadership, both the religious and political leaders.

“I am ashamed that where families in Nigeria cannot feed twice a day, our religious leaders are receiving car gifts in the name that they cannot die poor.

“This is not the time for us to show how wealthy we are but time to help one another,” he said.

He called for investment in youths and admonished Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies.

He called on the president to convene a conference of all citizens that would produce a new Constitution for the country.

Mr Ndukuba also prayed God to give Mr Tinubu the boldness to tackle the myriad of challenges facing the country.

“I also want to encourage Ndigbo to unite in the nomination of another leader, who will lead with the fear of God and project the interest of the people.

“He should be a man of faith, who will not be bought over but stand and speak fearlessly in defence of the people.

“The issue of Ndigbo must be brought to the table and addressed.

“We can’t be preaching peace when there is injustice,” he said.

In a vote of thanks, Mr  Iwuanyanwu’s eldest son, Jidechukwu, thanked the guests, especially the president and South-East governors, for identifying with their family and coming to pay their last respect to their father.

“God has always been with my father from time immemorial.

“He was a man of exploits, who always had faith in God,’’ he said.

Some of the dignitaries present at the service included Gov. Alex Otti of Abia and his Enugu state counterpart, Gov. Peter Mbah.

Also present were the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, and wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan.

Others were the national secretary of PDP, Sen. Sam Anyanwu, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, former governors of Imo – Emeka Ihedioha, Achike Udenwa, and Rochas Okorocha.

Also in attendance were the deputy governor of Imo, Chinyere Ekomaru, secretary-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Okey Emuchay, former Senate president, Ken Nnamani, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd).

Also present were Sen. Osita Izunaso, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, deputy governors of Anambra and Ebonyi, traditional and religious leaders, amongst other eminent Nigerians. 

(NAN)