the Imo Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed shock and deep sadness over the death of its “Pillar of support and guidance,” Chief Emmanuel
By Peter Okolie
The Imo Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed shock and deep sadness over the death of its “Pillar of support and guidance,” Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The state Chairman, Mr Ifeanyi Nwanguma, conveyed the council’s sympathies to the family of the late elder statesman in a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri on Sunday.
Nwanguma described Iwuanyanwu’s death as “a huge loss to NUJ family”.
He praised the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide “for leaving an indelible mark as a fearless advocate for Ndigbo rights and interests in Nigeria”.
The NUJ chairman said: “Chief Iwuanyanwu wrote his name in gold, especially for being a strong voice on the issues that border on Ndigbo in Nigeria.
“Iwuanyanwu was a father to journalists in Imo.
“Being our life patron, he was always there for us in terms of advice and direction.
“The entire journalists in Imo would miss his words of encouragement and support to the development of the profession.
“We have missed one of our best to the cold hands of death.”
Nwanguma further praised Iwuanyanwu for amplifying the Igbo ideals and giving momentum for an additional state in the region through his tireless advocacy and leadership.
“Imo NUJ, therefore, urges the family, Imo citizens and Nigerians, especially Ndigbo in diaspora, to bear the death with fortitude, bearing in mind that Ahaejiegamba paid his dues in the development of Igboland,” he stated.
Also, the Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel of NUJ, Chinonso Alozie, expressed deep sadness over the passing on of Iwuanyanwu, whom he described as “a renowned patron of the media industry in Nigeria”.
In a statement, Alozie said: “the members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Imo Council of the NUJ have lost a pillar of support, a father figure and an icon of inspiration.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was a steadfast advocate for the growth of journalists and media industry, and his contributions will be deeply missed,” he noted.
He hailed Iwuanyanwu’s commitment to promoting peace, unity and justice in Nigeria, particularly through his tireless calls for restructuring.
“He was a patriotic Nigerian, who gave voice to the voiceless and stood for the rights of his people, demanding equity and justice.
“The chapel extends its condolences to his family, the Imo people and Nigeria as a whole, wishing them the fortitude to bear the loss,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Iwuanyawu died, following a brief illness, on July 25 in an Abuja hospital, at the age of 82. (NAN)(
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