A great leader always leaves a big hole in the lives of those around them when they pass away. This is because the people look up to the leader for crucial decisions affecting their collective life.

Just like when Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was around as a model and premier Igbo-Nigerian leader, patriot, and Igboist, Ndigbo relied on him as their leader, spokesman, and defender. Given his role as an exemplary Igbo leader and nationalist par excellence, Chief Iwuanyanwu’s departure has undoubtedly left a void that will take time to fill.

The fact that Chief Iwuanyanwu was an activist is one of his qualities that is most frequently downplayed. It is not easy being an activist in a country like Nigeria.

He was a true and unique leader. He put the needs of his people before his own, even if doing so meant sacrificing his happiness, safety, and growth of his wide business concerns. Iwuanyanwu, like his compatriots and great Igbo leaders, Comrade Uche Chukwumerije and Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, did not give much thought to his safety or business when he championed the rights of Ndigbo, a practice that began with his participation in the Biafra war as an army captain.

The life of the Ikeduru Imo State-born Iwuanyanwu resembled an octopus. It had an impact on nearly everything important, including politics, socio-cultural issues, business, construction, sports, the media, and even banking. Chief Iwuanyanwu made profound contributions in sports by establishing and sponsoring Iwuanyanwu Nationale for many years in the Nigerian top flight football league and in aviation, he established the

Oriental Airlines while in the media he established the Champion Newspapers. Again, in road construction, Chief Iwuanyawu established Hardel & Enic and in health Iwuanyanwu Ambulance, in banking ABC Merchant Bank and in education Iwuanyanwu Foundation .He equally made remarkable contributions in promoting philanthropy and drive towards food security including establishing Magil Bread, among others, while in the Housing sub sector, he owned several estates across the country.

In politics and the nation’s quest for democratic rule and purposeful national leadership, Iwuanyanwu was a leading member of the NNC, NRC, UNCP, APP, ANPP, PDP, among others. His legacy will live on for future generations, providing a clear pathway for those who genuinely want to succeed and make their life meaningful through perseverance, hard work, and self-belief.

Serving as the eleventh President-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, was Chief Iwuanyanwu’s final act of service to Ndigbo , Nigeria, and mankind, where he inspired and repositioned the Igbo people in Nigeria and global context. At eighty-two, Iwuanyanwu walked off this route to meet his maker which is the final destination for all mortals. He has finished his earthly race and left his mark on history. Good night, great Igboist, nationalist, and leader. In both the Igbo nation and Nigeria, you were undoubtedly the zenith and emblem of Igbo possibilities and Nigerian nationalism. You have left a void that will be difficult to fill, but there’s God, and in Him we trust.

DR LAW MEFOR

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