FOMIHA MOURNS DEATH OF IWUANYANWU, UBAH, ONWENU

...describes death as Deep Cuts to Igbo Race

By Dorcas Samson Achi

Former Imo House of Assembly Members (FOMIHA) have expressed deepest regret on the deaths of three reputable and exceptional Igbo indigenes who have made ineffaceable marks in the economic, sociopolitical, cultural and entertainment life of Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

Last month, July 25th saw the end of Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR, the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, a renowned industrialist, a seasoned engineer, an exceedingly prosperous  businessman, a historic political titan and an elder statesman. He was a heavy employer of labour with his conglomerate of over 20 companies. He was a diversified businessman who made a mark in the media, sports, real estate, engineering and other lucrative sectors. 

He was a man of great feats, a king maker, a highly revered Igbo leader and one of the wealthiest Igbo men in Africa. 

While Nigerians were still battling to accept such a horrible phenomenon, we received with rude shock the terrible demise of Hon. Chief Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, a frontline politician and businessman who served as the senator representing Anambra South senatorial district from 2019 until his death. He was the CEO of Capital Oil and gas limited. He is the founder of The Authority Newspaper and also the owner of Ifeanyi Ubah Football Club. He was a Humanitarian, a trailblazer and maverick in the oil and gas industry.  

The final but devastating news came on the 30th of July about the death of a stallion, an amazon, a highly gifted and versatile entertainer who has added indisputable value to entertainment industry in Nigeria and Africa, late Onyeka Onwenu MFR. She was a Nigerian singer and songwriter, actress, human rights and social activist, journalist, politician, and X Factor series judge. She was dubbed the "Elegant Stallion" due to her significant impact on African culture and entertainment. Onwenu was a chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.

 Reacting to the unfortunate development, FOMIHA President, Hon. Ugochukwu Nzekwe in a recent statement, described the trio as indispensable gems whose names have been scribed in history for their laudable donations, visible footprints and ineradicable impacts in the lives of people and in the growth and advancement of our economy, culture, education, politics and social life. 

He enjoined the Igbos both at home and in diaspora especially those who have been tremendously touched by the lives and times of these legendary figures directly or indirectly, to be consoled by their treasured memories. He described the deaths as irreparable losses to the Igbo race and Nigeria as a nation. 

According to him, the media/entertainment industry, corridors of power, business, political and economic sectors will be greatly affected by their excruciating demise, adding that their legacies shall remain evergreen and indelible in the sands of time.

He prayed God to comfort the immediate families of these patriarchs and matriarch who were great blessings to humanity and also prayed for the repose of their souls.