•Late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide, the leading socio-cultural organisation for Igbo youth in Nigeria, has established a 63-member burial planning committee for the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as preparations for his final respects draw closer.
During the inauguration of the committee yesterday at Glass House in Owerri, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, the National Youth President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, highlighted the significance of this committee.
He emphasised that its role is to ensure that Igbo youths give their late leader the honourable burial he deserves, reports Saturday Tribune.
Chief Iwuanyanwu was known as a respected philanthropist and iconic figure among the Igbo people.
Mazi Okpalaezeukwu outlined the committee’s terms of reference, which include immortalising Chief Iwuanyanwu and ensuring Igbo youths actively participate in the burial arrangements.
He also advised the committee to collaborate closely with other burial committees to guarantee a well-organised and befitting ceremony.
Special commendation was given to the Southeast Governors, under the leadership of the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma, for their initiative in setting up a burial planning committee to lead preparations for Chief Iwuanyanwu’s burial.
Okpalaezeukwu praised Chief Iwuanyanwu for his lasting impact on the lives of many Igbo youths, noting that the late leader was a legend who reshaped the futures of those who had come into contact with him.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the committee members, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze, Chairman of the burial planning committee, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing for entrusting them with the important responsibility.
He assured that the committee would carry out its duties diligently in line with the terms of reference to ensure a successful burial.
Obieze also dismissed the misconception that Igbos have no centralised leadership, explaining that prior to the arrival of colonial powers, the Igbos had well-established command structures.
He described the assignment as a “wonderful opportunity” and promised to work towards the immortalisation of Chief Iwuanyanwu by the Igbo youth. Obieze affirmed his commitment to delivering on the task.
Among the notable members of the burial planning committee are FCC Jones Onwuasuanya, who will serve as secretary, and Ifeanyi Nwanguma, Chairman of the Imo NUJ, among others.
