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By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
Princess Faith Gilbert has expressed sadness and devastation over the death of a Nigerian statesman and the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo), describing the development as a great loss that she would find difficult to overcome because the late astute politician and industrialist gave her everything that she needed to be successful in life.
The United States of America-based Princess Faith who is also a sister-in-law to the late Ikeduru LGA, Imo State-born Ahaejiagamba, made the disclosure on Tuesday, October 29, while fielding questions from newsmen at the Cathedral Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (CATOL), Owerri, during a Service of Songs marking part of the activities slated for the burial of Late Chief Iwuanyanwu.
Princess Faith, who lives in Michigan, USA, recounted with uncontrollable emotions her memorable journey through life and her beautiful encounter with Late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who she said took her and her siblings up during their childhood, giving them the best of care and excellent academic trainings from the primary school through to the University level in the United States.
She further disclosed that the late philanthropist was a good man who demonstrated an uncommon love for God and humanity as evidenced in his numerous humanitarian activities. Princess Faith, added that Late Ahaejiagamba, loved his first wife and her elder sister, Late Lady Eudora Iwuanyanwu immeasurably that even after her death, he demonstrated the same love to her family, relatives, kindred and community.
She said: “I’m a sister-in-law to late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. His late wife, Eudora Iwuanyanwu was my elder sister. Actually, he left huge legacies that would remain evergreen. I will start with my own self and my siblings. I was five years old when late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu took me and my siblings. He trained us from the elementary school to the secondary, and later sponsored us to the United States of America and trained us.”
“He bought me my first car and my first house and gave me everything. He was a father to me and he extended the love he had for his late wife to our village people, our kindred and our friends and even associates. His legacies are great and are worthy to be emulated.
I am who I am today because of him. I am known in America especially in Michigan where I am because of Ahaejiagamba and because of the training he bestowed on me. He will forever be missed.”
“To tell you the truth, my last conversation with him was on the Fathers’ Day; the last Sunday in June. He called me and we discussed for about 25-30 minutes and he asked me about my children, but I didn’t realize that he was trying to tell me goodbye. He told me that he was not feeling well, but added that he was ok as nothing to worry about. But I didn’t know that would be my last conversation with him,” she cried out, while praying for the happy repose of the soul of the deceased.
The event was attended by the Imo State Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN); Anglican Bishops and priests; the Chief of Staff Government House, Owerri, Barrister Nnamdi Anyaehie; the members of the Iwuanyanwu family, in-laws, associates as well as members of both the national and state burial organizing committees among others. It also witnessed Scriptural readings, tributes and renditions from various choirs.
