All is now set for the 80th birthday celebration of Igbo icon, Engr. Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, CFR, OFR, MFR, FNSE, FNIST, FNICE, FNIEE, GCSI, KSC, (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo).
According to a statement released by the Planning Committee and signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Planning Committee Prince Lemmy Akakem and Ben Osuagwu, a week-long programme of activities have been drawn up to mark the epochal event.
According to the programme, the ceremonies will kick start today, Sunday August 28th 2022, with prayers by friends and well wishers in all Churches within and outside Nigeria for peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
This will be followed by a Christian religious worship and Choir CANTATA at Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s residence at Chief & Mrs. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s Drive, New Owerri, Imo State on Thursday September 1, 2022 at 3pm in the afternoon.
On Friday September 2, there will be prayers for the peace, unity and prosperity of our dear country Nigeria in all Mosques by 2pm in the afternoon.
At 4pm same Friday, there will be a football match in honour of Dr. Iwuanyanwu, who is a renowned sports promoter and administrator, at the Dan Anyim Stadium, Owerri.
The football match which will be between Ex-Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Players and Ex-Professionals, will feature the legendary Nwankwo Kanu, Mobi Oparaku, Sunny Ikwuagwu, Sam Oparanozie, Bahama, Danjuma, Emmanuel Amunike among others.
On Saturday 3rd September 2022, there will be a public lecture titled “IGBO QUEST FOR NIGERIA’S UNITY”, which will hold at Imo Concorde Hotel, Owerri. To be chaired by former President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, the Lecture packaged by the Nigeria Union of Journalists Correspodent Chapel, Imo State Council will be delivered by former Minister of Aviation, Former Minister of Information, former Special Adviser to President Shehu Shagari, President General Emeritus of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide and presently Coordinator Southern/Middle Belt Forum, Dr. John Nnia Nwodo, Jnr.
Prominent Nigerians who are expected at the event include the National Leader of PANDEF Chief Edwin Clark, National Leader of Afenifere Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chairman of PANDEF Sen. Emmanuel Ibok Essien, National Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum Chief Audu Ogbe, Dr. Bitrus Pogu of Middle Belt Forum, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor and Prof. Ango Abdullahi Natioal Chairman of Northern Elders Forum.
The ceremony will climax on Sunday 4th September, 2022 with a concelebrated Jubilee Church Service at the Cathedral Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord CATOL, Owerri, Imo State and will be officiated by the Primate of the Church of Nigerian Anglican Communion, His Grace The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba leading other Bishops and Clergies.
The Church Service will be followed by a Grand Reception at the Landmark Event Centre, beside PROTEA Hotel New Owerri.
During the reception ceremony, the Biography of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu written by some Staff of University of Nigeria and titled “The Amazing Grace of God” will be unveiled.
