National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Odekola Deborah
The funeral rites for Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, will commence on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 while he would be buried on November 1, 2024.
Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a brief illness. He was aged 82.
In a statement released by Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary, it was announced that the revered leader of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization “will receive exceptional funeral rites.”
The detailed funeral program was outlined by Senator Ben Ndi Obi, Chairman of the Central Burial Committee, during the inauguration of the Sub-Committees and Local Organizing Committees (LOC) at the Imo State Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, on Friday.
The program highlights include a “Service of Songs” scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, at Attah, Ikeduru LGA, Imo State. The interment will follow in his hometown, Attah, on November 1, 2024.
Further ceremonies will take place in Enugu, including a tribute at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo headquarters at No. 7 Park Avenue, GRA, Enugu.
The Burial Committee also announced that there will be Days of Tributes in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Owerri to honor Chief Iwuanyanwu.
Senator Obi praised the late leader as a “global citizen and a nationalist” whose contributions to national development were legendary.
He highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s success across various fields and his dedicated service to the Igbo community with “passion, dedication, and sincerity.”
Obi also expressed appreciation for the significant interest from prominent individuals and groups in giving Chief Iwuanyanwu a fitting farewell.
However, he cautioned that the only official Burial Committee for the funeral is the one established by the South East Governors Forum, chaired by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.
He advised that any other groups planning related events should coordinate with the Central Burial Committee to avoid conflicts and ensure proper arrangements.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures, including former Anambra State Governor Senator Chris Ngige, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and Secretary of the Burial Committee Ambassador Okey Emuchay, and Prince Garry Igariwey, the former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and Deputy Chairman of the Burial Planning Committee, Mr. Jide Iwuanyanwu, among others.
