Wild Jubilation as Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Emerges New President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide
By Boniface Ihiasota, USA
The National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, announced on Thursday that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has emerged as the new President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.
He replaces Amb. George Obiozor who died in December 2022 after a brief illness.
In line with the doctrine of necessity, the National Executive Committee (NEC) had directed the people of Imo State to find a credible replacement for Amb. Obiozor for the post of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The Imo State Council of Elders, led by Eze Ilomuanya presented Chief Iwuanyanwu as “the consensus candidate” of the Council to lead Ohaneze.
Iwuanyanwu hails from Ikeduru in Imo and had been presented to Gov. Hope Uzodimma for approval to finish the late Prof. George Obiozor’s tenure.
The announcement has been met with wild jubilations from members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze and from all organs of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Dr Ogbonnia described Chief Iwuanyanwu as a “dynamic, versatile, purpose-driven, and broad-minded personality of impeccable pedigree”.
He also pointed out that a President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo must detach himself from any governor and should have the courage and moral authority to reproach or condemn a governor or any high office holder who goes against the Igbo interest or public norms.
Ogbonnia noted that a President General must show capacity in many respects and have the courage and convictions to channel Igbo interests to the President of Nigeria without compromises, place Igbo interest above self-interest, and incorporate the Igbo elements in the South-South of Nigeria and other sundry places.
Chief Iwuanyanwu is described as the highest employer of labour, at least in the entire East of the Niger, with his Foundation having offered scholarships to over 10,000 indigent students across the country.
He has also donated to universities to create conducive environments for learning, built churches, and other community facilities.
At the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Iwuanyanwu has served as Chairman in the following Committees: State Creation Committee, Planning and Strategy Committee, Political Committee, Constitution Drafting Committee, and currently, the Chairman, Ohanaeze Elders Council.
Dr Ogbonnia expressed gratitude to the Imo State Council of Elders led by Ilomuanya for the painstaking rigorous procedure in reaching such a landmark decision.
He urged the members of Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndigbo to endorse the decision of the Imo State Council of Elders in good faith.
With Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, it is a Eureka, an Igbo rebound, and a new beginning for Ndigbo.
