Imo SWAN Felicitates With Iwuanyanwu At 80

<strong><em>Iwuanyanwu turns 80 years</em></strong>

BY OLOGUNWA PAUL SHOLA

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Imo Chapter felicitates with their Pillar of Sports, Engr Chief (Dr) Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) on the occasion of his 80 years birthday which holds on Sunday, September 4th, 2022.

In a press statement signed by Imo SWAN Chairman, Everest Ezihe and Secretary, Tunde Liadi, the Association described Chief Iwuanyanwu as a man who has contributed immensely in the growth and advancement of sports in Nigeria especially football,a bridge builder and a selfless philanthropist who puts the interest of others above self and SWAN wishes him well on the attainment of his new age.

Imo SWAN equally notes and salutes Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo’s courage, resilience, selflessness and nobility in always placing the welfare and unity of the nation above self, backed with the vision of a greater Nigeria through investments in people, institutions, sports and governments, without minding tribe or creed.

“We are writing to wish you a happy birthday and to thank you for your service to Imo State and the country as a whole,” the association noted.

“You are an inspiration to our Association because of the positive impact we have felt through you, and we hope you have many more years to keep up the good work and to also continue serving your people with your wealth of knowledge and experience.

“As you join the Octogenarian club, we commend you for your remarkable contributions to nation-building. As you mark 80 years of your life’s journey on September 4th, we celebrate you and all that you have accomplished through your humble beginnings to your illustrious career in engineering and sports, culminating to the various awards, titles and other recognition you have achieved.

“We must also commend him for his fearless contributions to national issues and his strategic support to genuine efforts towards making our nation great. As a national icon and elder statesman, we hold him in very high esteem.

“”Imo SWAN appreciates his bravery and fearless leadership. We pray and hope that he would have a day of joy and merriment as he mark his glorious birthday.”

Imo SWAN joins family members, friends, business and political associates in celebrating the Octogenarian, who has diligently and progressively risen in engineering, politics, humanitarian services and sports angling for people-focused development and supporting visionary and purposeful leadership.

Sports Writers in Imo state, therefore, prayed that the Almighty God will increase Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo in strength, good health and wisdom to keep serving the nation, and humanity at large.

The celebrant acquired the ownership of Spartans FC in 1985 renaming it Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club before it was handed over to Imo Government in 2006. It was rechristened Heartland FC.

With the financer support of Chief (Dr) Iwuanyanwu, the club won five league titles between 1987 and 1993 and one FA Cup in 1988.

Still under his tutelage, the club got to the final of the then African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1988 before semi-final exits in 1990 and 1991 in the same competition and another semi-final appearance in the year 2000 CAF Cup.