ENUGU, Nigeria – Following the demise of George Obiozor in December 2022, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has been named the new president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo. Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, shared the news in a statement issued in Enugu on Thursday, April 20, 2023.
Ogbonnia said, “The various reactions from the members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of Ohanaeze and from 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.”
According to Ogbonnia, the NEC had instructed the people of Imo State to find a suitable replacement for Obiozor’s position as President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide. The Imo State Council of Elders, led by Eze Ilomuanya, presented Chief Iwuanyanwu to Governor Hope Uzodimma as the consensus candidate to lead the organization.
Describing Iwuanyanwu’s character, Ogbonnia stated, “Before now, Iwuanyanwu is one of the finest amongst the Igbo; a philanthropist par excellence, massive employer of labour, robust creative thinker, brave soldier, accomplished engineer, astute business mogul, industrialist, and sagacious politician.”
He also outlined the qualities expected of a President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo: “He should place Igbo interest above self-interest. He should be large enough or should have the tentacles that will incorporate the Igbo elements in the South-South of Nigeria and other sundry places.”
Ogbonnia further emphasized Iwuanyanwu’s extensive contributions to promoting Igbo heritage, stating, “Iwuanyanwu, he said, was the highest employer of labour, at least in the entire East of the Niger, adding that his Foundation had offered scholarships to over 10, 000 indigent students across the country.”
Expressing gratitude for the Imo State Council of Elders’ careful selection process, Ogbonnia added, “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 at the helm, Ogbonnia concluded, “it is a Eureka, an Igbo rebound, and a new beginning for Ndigbo.”
