Iwuanyanwu Emerges As New Ohaneze Ndigbo President-General

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has been elected as the new President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, succeeding Amb. George Obiozor, died last December following a brief illness.

iexclusivenews reports that the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, disclosed in a statement issued in Enugu on Thursday.

This online news outlet understands that the NEC, following the death of Amb. Obiozor, directed the people of Imo State to find a credible replacement for Obiozor as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Mr. Ogbonnia added that the Imo State Council of Elders, led by Eze Ilomuanya presented Chief Iwuanyanwu to Gov. Hope Uzodimma, as “the consensus candidate” of the Council to lead Ohaneze.

Mr. Iwuanyanwu, who hailed from Ikeduru in Imo, had been presented to Gov. Hope Uzidimma for approval to finish the tenure of the late Prof. George Obiozor who died in 2022.

He said, “The various reactions from the members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze and all the organs of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide indicate wild jubilations with the news that Iwuanyanwu, the Chairman, Council of Elders, Ohanaeze, has been selected as a replacement for Obiozor who died in 2022.”

He described Iwuanyanwu as a “dynamic, versatile, purpose-driven and broad-minded personality of impeccable pedigree”.

“Before now, Iwuanyanwu is one of the finest amongst the Igbo; a philanthropist par excellence, massive employer of labor, robust creative thinker, brave soldier, accomplished engineer, astute business mogul, industrialist, and sagacious politician.

“Beyond the above attributes is the general outcry for the prerequisites or the required persona for the Office of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,”.

Mr. Ogbonnia however, pointed out that a president General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, must also 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 went against the Igbo interest or public norms.

He explained that a President General must also show capacity in many respects and had the courage and convictions to channel Igbo interests to the President of Nigeria without compromises.

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“Mr Iwuanyanwu should place Igbo interest above self-interest. He should be large enough or should have tentacles that will incorporate the Igbo elements in the South-South of Nigeria and other sundry places.

“The person must have contributed his quota in diverse forms in promoting the Igbo heritage.

Mr. Iwuanyanwu, he said, was the highest employer of labor, at least in the entire East of Niger, adding that his Foundation had offered scholarships to over 10, 000 indigent students across the country.

Mr. Ogbonnia said that Iwuanyanwu had also donated to universities to create conducive environments for learning; built Churches and other community facilities.

He also stated that Chief Iwuanyanwu has held various offices, received many awards, and belong to different groups.

“At the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Iwuanyanwu has served as Chairman in the following Ohanaeze Committees: State Creation Committee, Planning and Strategy Committee, Political Committee, Constitution Drafting Committee, and currently, the Chairman, Ohanaeze Elders Council.

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Mr. Ogbonnia thanked the Imo State Council of Elders led by Ilomuanya for the painstaking rigorous procedure in reaching such a landmark decision.

“We also urge 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,” Ogbonnia said.