By NewsBits
The President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has congratulated and celebrated the former Secretary-General of Commonwealth and Nigerian Permanent Representative in the United Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku on the occasion of his 91st birthday.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, in Enugu and made available to NewsBits, the President General described Anyaoku as a respected global icon, an extraordinary diplomat and a prudent negotiator.
Iwuanyanwu also described Anyaoku, a former minister for foreign affairs and member, Presidential Advisory Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, as an astute harmoniser of diverse cultural and political interests. The Ohanaeze PG said Anyaoku had remained a veritable source of inspiration to the younger generation.
He said he was highly delighted that the foremost Nigerian diplomat was hale and hearty at 91. Iwuanyanwu recalled vividly when Anyaoku was elected as the third Commonwealth Secretary-General at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at Kuala Lumpur on Oct. 24, 1989.
“By the reason of that election, Anyaoku became the first black man ever to fully head a major international organisation. “He served the body with an uncommon competence, adroitness, elegance and panache.
“Thus, Anyaoku was re-elected at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at Limasso, Cyprus in 1994 for a second five-year term, beginning on 1 April 1995,” according to Iwuanyanwu. He further stated that Anyaoku deployed his robust intellect, tact and capacity to relate with world leaders while he was at the Common Wealth without compromising his Igbo cultural identity and enviable virtues.
Iwuanyanwu said: “It was with such a diplomatic prowess that Anyaoku deployed in overturning the obnoxious apartheid regime and the inauguration of Nelson Mandela’s government of racial equality in South Africa.
“Also, during the dark days of Nigeria, Anyaoku identified fully with rights activists for the restoration of democracy to Nigeria in 1999.”
He advised all sons and daughters of Igbo land and the the black race to celebrate “in honour of an exceptional living legend and a man with a track record of successes in the services numerous international organisations”.
“He is a rare gem, who has been conferred with doctorate degrees, honoris causa, by over 33 universities in all parts of the world; and a bridge builder, who is very conscious and proud of his Igbo heritage. It is the prayer of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide that the Igbo titan will witness many more years in sound mind and vitality,” he said.
