The Imo House of Assembly, on Tuesday, passed a motion, urging Gov. Hope Uzodimma to immortalise the late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The motion was sponsored by Mr Innocent Ikpamezie, representing Mbaitoli, and eight other members.
Ikpamezie described Iwuanyanwu as an “iconic figure of national and international repute”.
He said that the late Igbo leader also played significant roles in national politics and sports, in addition to his many philanthropic works.
He further said that as an elder statesman, Iwuanyanwu preached unity and oneness during his time as the president general of the apex-Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
He, therefore, called for the Imo International Conference Center to be renamed the “Chief, Engr, Dr Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre,” in honour of his memory.
Supporting the motion, Mr John-Leoba Iheoha, representing Ikeduru, described Iwuanyanwu as an “international statesman”, who did well for the country in so many ways.
Mr Clinton Amadi (Owerri Municipal) also supported the motion, and described the deceased as the pride of the Igbo people.
Mr Obinna Egu (Ngor Okpala), while supporting the motion, said that Iwuanyanwu deserved to be immortalised, considering his contributions to humanity.
Egu said that he worked hard as a detribalised Nigerian to give Igbo people a sense of belonging and called on Nigerians to emulate him.
Following more contributions and votes in favour of the motion, the Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe, ruled in favour of the motion.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Iwuanyanwu, who died on July 25 at the age of 82, hailed from Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo (NAN)
