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FAREWELL TO THE GREAT IROKO OF AFRICA; CHIEF ENGR. DR. EMMANUEL IWUANYANWU CFR, OFR, MFR, FNSE, FNICE, FNIST, KSC, GCSI, AHAEJIAGAMBA NDIGBO (PRESIDENT GENERAL OF OHANAEZE NDIGBO) 

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FAREWELL TO THE GREAT IROKO OF AFRICA; CHIEF ENGR. DR. EMMANUEL IWUANYANWU CFR, OFR, MFR, FNSE, FNICE, FNIST, KSC, GCSI, AHAEJIAGAMBA NDIGBO (PRESIDENT GENERAL OF OHANAEZE NDIGBO)

 

 

 

 

 

BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That It is with a heart filled with grief that I received the death of my political leader and mentor, my father and role model, my boss and benefactor; Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR, OFR, MFR, FNSE, FNICE, FNIST,KSC, GSI, AHAEJIAGAMBA NDIGBO(PRESIDENT GENERAL OF OHANAEZE ND IGBO WORLDWIDE). I was privileged to serve him as his Special Assistant (Special Duties and Special Projects) for five years, I was his National Coordinator/Board Secretary of Iwuanyanwu National Ambulance Foundation for five years. Coordinator of Iwuanyanwu Foundation for five years. Indeed I was his most favorite personal aid while he was alife. I was so close to the great AHAEJIAGAMBA of Igbo land that I was among the very few he allowed access to him even in his bedroom whenever he had retired from work for the day. So I know this man too well and in fact was one of his authorized biographers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We started writing his biography while I was still a Corps Member at the Presidency SURE-P and concluded writing the biography seven years later. The book “AMAZING GRACE” (A 940 pages biography of Chief Iwuanyanwu) was officially launched on his 80th birthday in 2022. I was very instrumental to ensuring that the 80th birthday of our great leader and boss was a huge success as I traversed round the nook and crannies of this country reaching out to very prominent Nigerians to attend the birthday celebration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I personally convinced the former President of Nigeria Dr. Goodluck Ebere Jonathan GCFR to be physically present at the event,even when he had told me he was earlier scheduled to be outside the country for an International assignment. I ensure President Ibrahim Babangida sent in his goodwill messages as I met him personally for that purpose. I ensured our current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent in his goodwill messages as I follow him up through his son Seyi and his personal assistant. I personally ensured over three former Senate Presidents of Nigeria attended the 80th birthday of my hero and great leader as I personally met each and everyone of them. I ensured several captains of industry and billionaires where properly followed up and constantly reminded to be physically present at his landmark 80th birthday event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I knew that was the last biggest honour I needed to pay my great leader while he was still alife. Today our great Iroko is gone and his impact resounds all over the country because he is one man that has raised Global leaders and several billionaires within and outside the country. Chief Iwuanyanwu is one man honoured and respected more outside the shores of Nigeria than even in Nigeria; this I got to find out in my recent partnerships with foreign business partners and organizations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Iwuanyanwu was a living legend respected and honoured more in the far north than in Igbo land, this I got to find out during my one month tour of Nigeria in preparation for the 80th birthday of my hero.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As his personal biographer, there are secrets of his greatness I got to find out that had been the propelling force that made him stand out as a global business and political Titan. Chief Iwuanyanwu considered humanity first before any other considerations while stepping into business or politics. In business he set up the Oriental Airlines, Champion Newspapers, etc in other to project and promote his people;Ndigbo. In civil engineering, he set up the Hardel and Enic Group in other to compete with the International construction firms at that time. In politics he was practically pushed into politics after a group of Igbo Leaders/Traditional rulers picked him as Ndigbo’s sole Presidential candidate to fill in the gap created by the ban of older politicians from contesting elections at that time. Chief Iwuanyanwu almost rejected the call but he struggled within himself and accepted to be the consensus presidential candidate for NDIGBO at that time and he was subsequently taken to the great Zik of Africa Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe for his blessings and guidance. Even though Chief Iwuanyanwu eventually never became president of Nigeria, he has successfully raised leaders within and outside Nigeria to carry on from where he stopped in politics.

 

Time will fail me to talk about this great man, but I will forever remain grateful to God for bringing me in close contact with the great AHAEJIAGAMBA NDIGBO.

 

Adiu my hero, gee nkeoma Okeosisi NDIGBO!

 

Your Very Loyal Son/Boy

Chinedu A. Nsofor

Former SA/National Coordinator of Iwuanyanwu Foundations

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Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

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Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

 

The City of Brampton has recognised Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun for his remarkable contributions to a transformative initiative designed to empower women through essential skill-building for independence and self-reliance. This formal acknowledgment took place on August 15, 2025, in Mayor Patrick Brown’s office during a visit from the Africa Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) team. Represented by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Egungbohun, Alhaji Dende received the certification amidst an atmosphere of gratitude and celebration. Mayor Brown presented the certificate personally and extended his commendations to the IBD Foundation for their relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment, development, and their philanthropic efforts.

The Certificate of Recognition underscored Egungbohun’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to create diverse opportunities for women to enhance their skills, develop their potential, and ultimately prosper in their personal and professional lives. As a philanthropist, esteemed businessman, and influential social figure, his impact in Nigeria and beyond is both profound and far-reaching.

Egungbohun’s generosity and steadfast commitment have significantly bolstered the confidence of program participants, facilitating their ability to envision and construct brighter futures while strengthening community ties. In his acknowledgment, Mayor Brown stated, “Your dedication uplifts those working to inspire others,” highlighting the deep and lasting influence of Egungbohun’s work in empowering women.

Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

This initiative is not just a standalone effort; it harmonizes perfectly with Brampton’s broader mission to advocate for and uplift marginalized groups within the community. Egungbohun’s contributions serve as a vital catalyst for transformative change, offering practical skills that enhance employability while reshaping the economic and social framework for women. Through an assortment of workshops, mentorship programs, and robust support networks, he has fostered an encouraging environment where women can fully explore and realize their potential.

As Brampton steadfastly commits itself to promoting inclusivity and equity, leaders like Egungbohun exemplify how collaboration, vision, and genuine enthusiastic engagement can effectively turn hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. The public acknowledgment from the city not only honors individual efforts but also sends a resounding message, inspiring other community leaders and stakeholders to step up and invest in grassroots empowerment initiatives that uplift and serve those in need. This recognition is a clarion call for collective action toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

 

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Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

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Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

 

Tayo Folorunsho, renowned youth ambassador and edutainment advocate, has been officially nominated to be decorated as a Celebrity Special Marshal (CSM) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

The unveiling took place at the recently concluded FRSC Youth Hangout, held in celebration of the United Nations International Youth Day at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

 

Over the years, Tayo Folorunsho has distinguished himself as a passionate youth leader, consistently driving initiatives that inspire and empower young people. His recognition as a Celebrity Special Marshal is not only a mark of honor but also a call to responsibility—championing road safety, responsibility, and positive change within society.

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

Speaking on the recognition, Tayo Folorunsho emphasized:

“This is more than an honor; it is a responsibility to use my voice and influence to promote safety, responsibility, and positive change on our roads.”

 

This milestone reinforces his commitment to youth empowerment, social responsibility, and nation-building through edutainment and advocacy.

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FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

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FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

In a country where road accidents claim thousands of lives each year—most of them young people—the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Edutainment First International have launched a bold new initiative to change the narrative. On Thursday, August 14, both organizations hosted the maiden Road Safety Youth Hangout at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

The event, held to mark United Nations International Youth Day 2025, brought together more than 300 participants, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, youth leaders, and community representatives. Unlike traditional road safety campaigns, the hangout was designed as an interactive forum blending education and entertainment, where young Nigerians could learn, innovate, and commit to safer road practices.

 

 

According to FRSC data, young people remain the most vulnerable demographic in road traffic crashes across Nigeria—an urgent concern this initiative aims to tackle. Through storytelling, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, the Road Safety Youth Hangout sought to transform young Nigerians into advocates for safety within their communities.

 

 

“This is not just about rules and regulations,” said one of the organizers. “It’s about equipping young people with the tools and the voice to change Nigeria’s road culture.”

 

Aligned with the UN’s 2025 theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the program underscored the critical role of young Nigerians in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those connected to health, safety, and responsible citizenship.

 

 

By focusing on empowerment rather than enforcement, FRSC and Edutainment First International signaled a fresh approach to road safety: investing in the next generation as the real drivers of change. The belief is simple yet powerful—an informed and empowered youth population is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.

 

 

For many participants, the hangout was more than just an event; it was a wake-up call. With interactive sessions infused with music, drama, and dialogue, young Nigerians were challenged to reflect on their daily habits as road users and to embrace leadership as advocates for safer communities.

 

 

As one youth participant reflected:

“Road safety isn’t just the job of the FRSC. It’s our responsibility too—because we are the ones most at risk.”

 

The maiden edition of the Road Safety Youth Hangout may have ended, but the movement it launched has only just begun. Its message was unmistakable: Nigeria’s fight for safer roads must be youth-led, collaborative, and relentless.

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