The Imo State House of Assembly has urged Governor Hope Uzodinma to rename the Imo International Conference Centre (IICC) in honour of the late President General Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The Assembly said the proposed gesture is a way of immortalizing Iwuanyanwu following his numerous contributions to economic and human development in the state in particular and the nation in general.
The call was made through a motion moved by the member representing Mbaitoli Constituency, Innocent Ikpamezie, on the floor of the Assembly.
Presenting the motion, Ikpamezie narrated that Iwuanyanwu is a worthy and an illustrious son of not only Imo State but the South-East region who has distinguished himself in various human endeavors.
He maintained that late Iwuanyanwu has in no small measure contributed immensely towards the upliftment of the state pointing out that, during the building of the state’s International Cargo Airport, he donated a significant amount of money that led to the realization of the project.
“Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as an international entrepreneur played a significant role in setting the pace for economic development in the South-East region and the nation at large.
“His philanthropic works in Nigeria worth billions of naira and remain unforgettable having provided good roads, water, homes for destitute as well as awarded scholarships to many students at secondary and university levels,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that Iwuanyanwu died in active service as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo also President of Owerri Peoples Assembly, explaining that under his leadership he preached peace, unity and oneness of the Igbo race.
He enjoined his colleagues to join in urging the governor to immortalize Iwuanyanwu by renaming the Imo International Conference Centre after him.
Lending their contributions some of the members enumerated some remarkable contributions of Iwuanyanwu in many aspects of human life.
The Deputy Speaker, Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu described the late President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo as an employer of labour who has built many business establishments within and outside southeast region.
“Iwuanyanwu has through his philanthropic gestures and numerous establishments gainfully engaged many people.
“Significant establishments to mention are the establishment of Champion Newspaper and Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club which have engaged many people, mostly youths of the country.”
The member representing Isiala Mbano Constituency, Samuel Osuji said that he personally benefited from Iwuanyanwu who offered him a contract that changed his life, maintaining that immortalizing him is not out of place as he has positively touched many lives.
The members, after their contributions later adopted the motion and resolved to urge the governor to immortalize the late Chief Iwuanyanwu.
