Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu

Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was born into a devout Christian family in Atta, a town in Ikeduru LGA, Imo State. His parents, Chief Bernard Iwuanyanwu and Madam Martha Iwuanyanwu, were known for their community leadership and dedication to education. Emmanuel had several siblings, many of whom followed similar paths of excellence in education and public service.

He began his education at St. Patrick’s School, Rukpoku, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from 1948 to 1954. He proceeded to New Bethel College in Onitsha, Anambra State, for his secondary education. In 1963, he gained admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he studied Civil Engineering. His studies were interrupted by the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), but he returned to complete his degree, graduating in 1970.

Chief Iwuanyanwu furthered his education by obtaining honorary doctorate degrees from several institutions, including:

• Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Engineering from Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
• Doctor of Laws (LL.D) (Honorary) from Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) (Honorary) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
• Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) (Honorary) from the University of Jos
• Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) (Honorary) from the University of Calabar
• Doctor of Technology (D.Tech) from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) (Honorary) from Edo State University
• Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) (Honorary) in Engineering from Imo State University

Professional Career

Engineering and Business Ventures

Chief Iwuanyanwu began his career as a civil engineer, working on significant projects like the construction of the Enugu Airport. He later ventured into entrepreneurship, founding several companies that grew into a conglomerate under the umbrella of Iwuanyanwu Holdings. His business interests spanned construction, publishing, real estate, agriculture, insurance, and aviation.

Notable companies founded by him include:

• Hardel and Enic Construction Company: A leading construction firm in Nigeria.
• The Champion Newspapers: A prominent national newspaper that influenced media and journalism in Nigeria.
• Oriental Airlines Limited: An aviation company.
• Sunrise Insurance Brokers: An insurance and finance company.
• Benhol Farms Limited: An agricultural enterprise.
• Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club (now Heartland F.C.): A football club that achieved success in national and international competitions.

Political Career

Chief Iwuanyanwu has been an active participant in Nigerian politics. He is a founding member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and has served in various capacities, including:

• Member of the PDP Board of Trustees
• Chairman of several government bodies, such as:
  • Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA)
  • Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)
  • Raw Materials Research and Development Council of Nigeria
• Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Calabar

Although he aspired to run for the presidency on multiple occasions, he was not successful in securing the party’s nomination.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Leadership

• In 2023, Chief Iwuanyanwu was appointed as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.
• In this role, he worked to promote the interests, unity, and cultural heritage of the Igbo people until his passing in 2024.

Electoral Ambitions:

• Iwuanyanwu was a three-time presidential aspirant under the platforms of various political parties, including the National Republican Convention (NRC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
• Although he never won the presidency, his campaigns underscored his commitment to national development and his advocacy for Igbo interests.

Marriages and Family

Chief Iwuanyanwu married his first wife, Lady Eudora Nnenna Ozinyereaku Iwuanyanwu, with whom he had three sons and five daughters. They were married for over 40 years until her passing on August 28, 2011, at the age of 63. She was a significant support in his personal and professional life.

In 2013, at the age of 71, he married Frances Chinonyerem Enwerem, who was 26 years old at the time. This marriage attracted media attention and public discourse due to the significant age difference, leading to controversy. Critics questioned the motives and appropriateness of the union, but the couple maintained that their relationship was based on mutual respect and affection.

He is a grandfather and is known to be devoted to his family. Details about his siblings and extended family are not widely publicized, but his children have pursued successful careers in various fields, including business, law, and medicine.

Scandals and Controversies

• Marriage to a Younger Wife

Chief Iwuanyanwu’s marriage to Frances Chinonyerem in 2013 sparked controversy due to the 45-year age gap between them. The union was met with skepticism and criticism from the public and media, with some alleging that the marriage was inappropriate given his status as an elder statesman. Despite the negative attention, the couple remained together, and Frances became an active partner in his philanthropic activities.

• Political Allegations

Throughout his political career, Chief Iwuanyanwu faced allegations typical of high-profile politicians in Nigeria. Critics accused him of using his political influence to advance his business interests. There were also unverified claims of financial impropriety and favoritism in the awarding of contracts to his companies. However, no substantial evidence was provided, and he was not convicted of any wrongdoing.

• Business Challenges

Some of his business ventures faced operational and financial difficulties. For instance, there were reports of financial struggles at The Champion Newspapers, leading to staff layoffs and restructuring. These challenges were seen by some as mismanagement, although such issues are not uncommon in the volatile media industry.

Family Achievements

The Iwuanyanwu family is recognized for its contributions to various sectors in Nigeria:

• His children have established themselves in professions such as engineering, law, medicine, and business.
• The family’s philanthropic efforts, primarily through the Iwuanyanwu Foundation, have impacted education, healthcare, and community development.
• The family is considered influential in the southeastern region of Nigeria, contributing to regional development and cultural preservation.

Associations with Prominent Igbo Figures

Associations with Notable Igbo Figures

Throughout his career, Chief Iwuanyanwu collaborated with prominent Igbo leaders:

• Dr. Alex Ekwueme: Former Vice President of Nigeria, with whom he shared political aspirations and advocacy for national unity
• Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu: Leader of the defunct Republic of Biafra, involved in discussions on Igbo interests and regional development
• Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife: Former Governor of Anambra State, worked together on political and socio-economic initiatives
• Chief John Nnia Nwodo: Predecessor as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, collaborated on cultural and political matters affecting the Igbo people
• Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu: Politician and former Minister, shared platforms on issues of national importance

Awards and Recognitions

• Chief Iwuanyanwu received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to engineering, business, philanthropy, and national development:
  • National Honors:
    • Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR)
    • Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
    • Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR)
  • Professional Fellowships:
    • Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE)
    • Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management Consultants
    • Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations
    • Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport of Great Britain
  • Chieftaincy Titles:
    • “Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo”: Conferred by traditional rulers, meaning “Standard Bearer of the Igbo People”
    • Over 80 chieftaincy titles from various communities across Nigeria
  • Other Recognitions:
    • Honored by the National Council of Women Societies for his contributions to women’s development
    • Inducted into the African Students Union Hall of Fame in Addis Ababa for his support of education

Election Records

• While Iwuanyanwu never held an elective political office, he was a formidable figure in Nigerian politics.
• He lost the presidential primaries in his party several times but remained a respected elder statesman.

Philanthropy and Legacy

Chief Iwuanyanwu was renowned for his philanthropic endeavors:

• Iwuanyanwu Foundation: Established to promote education, healthcare, and social welfare. The foundation has:
  • Awarded scholarships to over 10,000 Nigerian students
  • Donated funds for the construction of schools and university buildings
  • Supported the building of hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Religious Contributions:
  • Donated approximately ₦1 billion for the construction of the Cathedral of St. Matthew Atta in his hometown
  • Established chapels in his residences for worship and spiritual activities
• Community Development:
  • Funded infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges, improving access and connectivity in various communities
  • Supported the Imo State Airport project with a donation of $2 million

Elections Lost and Won

While Chief Iwuanyanwu was a significant figure in Nigerian politics, he did not hold elective office:

• Presidential Aspirations: He attempted to secure the presidential nomination within his party multiple times but was unsuccessful.
• Political Influence: Despite not winning elections, he remained influential within the PDP and was a key player in political strategies and decision-making processes.

Death

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu passed away on April 30, 2024, at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, cultural advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the progress of the Igbo people. His contributions to business, politics, and the unity of the Igbo nation will forever be remembered.

Legacy and Conclusion

Chief Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu CFR is a prominent Nigerian statesman whose life epitomizes dedication to national development, philanthropy, and the advancement of the Igbo people. His contributions to engineering, business, and politics have left indelible marks on Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.

Despite facing controversies, particularly regarding his personal life and allegations of political impropriety, he maintained a reputation as a philanthropist and elder statesman. His life’s work continues to inspire many within and outside Nigeria.

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