November 1, 2024 will mark a historic event in Imo State as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attends the funeral of the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. Preparations for the solemn tribute have been carefully orchestrated by the local committee, chaired by Charles Amadi (Chalvon), who unveiled the week-long programme leading up to the ceremony.
The big names in the Nigerian political scene will be present to pay their last respects to this great man. Former Presidents of Nigeria, such as Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and Abdusalami Abubakar, will join intellectuals and opinion leaders from the North, Afenifere, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and other national organisations, both domestic and international.
The announcement of the presence of these notable personalities at the event guarantees a high-level ceremony, marked by respect and emotion. Charles Amadi also assured the population that adequate security measures will be put in place to ensure the smooth running of the event, stressing that traffic will be effectively controlled to facilitate movement across Imo State.
The funeral program is now unveiled to the general public:
– October 29, 2024: A religious service will be held in honor of the late Chief Iwuanyanwu.
– October 30, 2024: The body of the late chief will arrive at his final resting place, passing through several emblematic places in the region.
– November 1, 2024: A recognition ceremony will be held in Owerri, followed by farewells to the late president through different symbolic places, before the funeral at St. Matthew’s Cathedral.
– November 2, 2024: It will be time for relatives and friends to pay their respects to the deceased at home.
– November 3, 2024: A special ceremony will conclude the tributes paid to the memory of Chief Iwuanyanwu.
Imo State is preparing to host an assembly of renowned personalities to honor the memory of a man who marked his era and will leave an indelible legacy. In this period of contemplation and celebration of the life of a great leader, the unity and solidarity of Nigerians of all origins will be felt, testifying to the importance of the man who knew how to transcend divisions to serve his country.