In a recent announcement, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, disclosed that it would not be observing the 2024 Igbo Day celebration as originally planned for September 29. This decision was made to pay tribute to their late President General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The National Executive Council of Ohanaeze made this declaration during an emergency meeting held in Enugu on Tuesday.
It also instructed its state and diaspora chapters to set up condolence registers in honor of Iwuanyanwu.
Following the passing of Iwuanyanwu at the age of 82, who had taken over as the 11th President-General on April 30, 2023, after the demise of his predecessor, George Obiozor, in December 2022.
At the emergency meeting in Enugu, the Ohanaeze NEC expressed sorrow over Iwuanyanwu’s passing, remarking that it came shortly after the loss of Obiozor less than two years ago.
Iwuanyanwu’s son, Jide, confirmed his father’s demise on July 25, revealing that he passed away in Abuja after a brief illness.
Characterizing Iwuanyanwu as a remarkable individual with profound ideas and aspirations for the Igbo community and Nigeria, Emuchay stated that a central burial committee would be established soon.
“In honor of our departed President General, all planned activities, including the 2024 Igbo Day Celebration set for September 29, 2024, in Imo State, will be postponed,” he mentioned.
Additionally, he reassured, “We want to assure everyone that Ohanaeze is in capable hands. As the NEC, we commit to continuing the legacy left by Iwuanyanwu.”
He encouraged all state secretariats of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and its chapters in Nigeria and abroad to establish condolence registers for individuals to share their thoughts and prayers for the departed President General.