NZE JAMES CHINONYEREM
In contemporary times, no one probably, in Igboland has shown more passion and capacity to drive the Igbo philosophical developmental aspirations than Ahaejigamba Ndigbo, Chief Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR, President General, Ohaneze Ndigbo. Prince Alex Mbata in his tribute to this great son of Igboland at his 80th birthday last year, described him as “the jewel of the nation” and he is and remains. Ahaejigamba represents the Igbo collective kindred indomitable spirit. A consciousness of “never never say die” which fights against all odds, and promotes the course of Ndigbo not minding the costs to himself.
As a young man, he fought for the survival of Ndigbo not just in words but in deeds. He was a commissioned officer in the Biafran army when duties called during the Nigerian civil war. A young and promising engineer, he did not consider the risks of bullets and possible death before joining in the fight to secure his people.
After the war, he worked assiduously to ease the pains of the war especially on his people. He established businesses that provided employments to thousands of Igbo people and elevated them economically, socially and politically. He remains among the early Igbo birds that worked towards the integrations of the Igbo people in the national politics and other schemes of things in the country.
Chief Iwuanyanwu conquered the business world early in life. He devoted a great chuck of his personal earnings to the developments of human and material resources of the Igbo people as well as other Nigerians. Like I said earlier, he created enabling environments to aid many a great number of our people to take a rise on the economic and political ladder. His efforts yielded great dividends as they trickled down to thousands of people across the urban and rural areas. He saw to the education and job placements of thousands of people in Igboland .
His Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club (under the chairmanship of Prince Lemmy Akakem) while it lasted, was the delight and pride of our people. It united them behind a common aspiration and motivated all to aim for greater heights. The exploits and victories of the club were cherished as community’s achievements.
The hallmark of his people’s appreciations of his selfless contributions towards their developments was collectively expressed in the crowning of him as the AHAEJIGAMBA OF IGBOLAND. This is a title personal to him which carries the nobility of Igbo identity, pride, philosophy, aspiration and unity. It is to his credit and glory of God that Ndigbo again, elected him as the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo. His greatness did not come easy, it is a sustained product of hard work, resilience and self discipline. “Excellence” Aristotle said, “is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.” This aptly, is the truth of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s source of greatness.
It is worthy to continue to celebrate this iconic Igbo son, leader and facilitator. I therefore, join millions of Igbo people and other men and women across the globe to celebrate and honour him at his 81st birthday. I pray that the grace of God shall continue to be sufficient unto him Amen.
Happy birthday to you Sir.