News
Tinubu eulogised late Iwuanyanwu
* Says, he was a courageous defender of Justice
By Francesca Hangeior
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has eulogised the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, describing him as courageous, defiant of injustice, and uncompromising, with the heart of a gladiator, resolute and indomitable.
The President’s tribute came as the nation prepares for the burial rites of the renowned philanthropist and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who passed away on July 25, 2024 at 81.
Iwuanyanwu was a multifaceted individual, excelling in sports, business, politics, and philanthropy.
President Tinubu noted that he was a colossus of many parts, leaving an enduring legacy in various fields.
In the sports arena, he founded the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, now Heartland F.C., in 1985, which won several national and international championships under his leadership.
His business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit saw him invest across sectors, showcasing his faith in Nigeria’s potential.
As a seasoned statesman, Iwuanyanwu served the nation in multiple capacities, including as founding chairman of the Raw Materials and Research Development Council and chairman of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission.
He also chaired the Federal Road Maintenance Agency board, the Nigerian National Lottery and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi.
Tinubu commended Iwuanyanwu’s philanthropic efforts, which included providing scholarships to indigent students, building schools and hospitals, and supporting numerous charitable causes.
His selfless spirit and commitment to serving the nation have left a lasting impact.
The President extended condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, the government, the people of Imo State, and Ndigbo Gburugburu, praying that God Almighty grants Chief Iwuanyanwu’s soul eternal rest.
“The late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was a colossus of many parts. In sports, he was a pioneer; in business, he was ingenious and resourceful; in politics, he was astute; and in philanthropy, he was relentless.
“The late President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo served the nation in many official capacities.
He was the founding chairman of the Raw Materials and Research Development Council (RMRDC) and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) chairman.
“He also served as chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) board, founding chairman of the Nigerian National Lottery, and chairman of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi.
“I mourn the passing of this illustrious son of Nigeria.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was courageous, defiant of injustice, and uncompromising. He had the heart of a gladiator, resolute and indomitable.
“I recall his sports exploits with the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club, now Heartland F.C., which he founded in 1985. Thanks to his acclaimed facility for excellence, the club won several national and international championships. He was a significant factor in Nigeria’s sports development.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was enterprising. He believed in Nigeria’s human and material abundance and fecundity, and his investments across sectors and the nation attest to this.
“The late elder statesman lived a life of service. With his wealth, he served his people and the nation, providing scholarships to indigent students, building schools and hospitals, and supporting many charitable causes.
“The passing of Chief Iwuanyanwu on July 25, 2024, is a massive loss to the nation. Though he lived to the advanced age of 81, his counsel and stabilising quality will be sorely missed.
“I commiserate with the Iwuanyanwu family, the government, the people of Imo State, and Ndigbo Gburugburu as the burial rites of Chief Iwuanyanwu begin in a few days.
“His life and remarkable accomplishments will always be remembered, and may God Almighty grant his soul eternal rest,” he said.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
There’s fear in Iviukhua community, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State following the abduction of a Catholic priest and a seminarian by unidentified gunmen.
Rev. Fr. Philip-Mario Ekweli, the Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Apostle Catholic Church, and Bro. Peter Andrew, a seminarian, were reportedly kidnapped Monday night when assailants stormed the church premises.
The attack, which occurred around 10:30 pm, has left residents in a state of fear and anxiety.
As of Tuesday morning, no group has claimed responsibility of the incident, and there has been no word from the kidnappers regarding their demands.
Reports say local authorities and security forces have launched an investigation and are actively working to secure the release of the victims.
The abduction has ignited widespread concern among the Christian community and beyond, with many decrying the worsening security situation in the community.
According to a source, due to this negative incident, members of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, to which the parish belongs, have intensified prayers for the safe return of the clergymen, while community leaders have called for urgent intervention by security agencies.
Contacted, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Moses Yamu said a press statement would be released soon regarding the incident.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
hotel after receiving a female.
The police further explained that he did not die in the hands of kidnappers as widely reported by the media.
This was contained in a statement signed by SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson of the command stating that:
“In light of the recent reports alleging that retired Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Shikfu Parradang, was kidnapped and subsequently killed, we wish to clarify the facts surrounding this incident to ensure accurate information is disseminated to the public.
On March 3, 2025, at approximately 12:00 PM, Mr. Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, driving a black Mercedes Benz. He checked into the hotel, paying a sum of Twenty two thousand naira (N22,000) for one night’s stay.
Shortly thereafter, he directed the hotel room attendant to escort a female guest who had come to visit to his room.
This lady left the hotel premises around 04:00PM of the same day.
Mr. Parradang did not exit his room after the lady left. Around 04:00 AM of 04 March 2025, a friend who is a military officer, concerned for his wellbeing, traced him to the hotel.
Upon arrival, the hotel receptionist and the officer proceeded to his room, where Mr. Parradang was found deceased, seated in a chair.
The Durumi Police Station was notified and officers promptly arrived at the scene, secured the area, took photographs, and collected all relevant evidence to preserve the integrity of the crime scene.
The body has been transferred to the National Hospital for necessary procedures, and hotel staff are currently cooperating with Police investigations.
Effort is in top gear to effect the arrest of the lady.
We urge the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information, including claims of kidnapping, that may incite fear or panic.
The FCT Police Command is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding Mr. Parradang’s death. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to ensure justice is served.
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