By Adaora Adibe / Nafisat Abdulrahaman
A special Valedictory session has been held to honor the life and legacies of the pioneer Board Chairman of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) from 1988 to 1991, Chief (Dr) Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu who passed away on Thursday, July 25th, 2024 after a brief illness.
The Valedictory session which was hosted by the Director General Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Prof Nnanyelugo Martins Ike-Muonso held at the Council’s Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday 29th October 2024 in honoring Chief Iwuanyanwu’s remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s research and development landscape.
The pioneer Chairman, who was instrumental to the establishment of RMRDC, exemplified quality leadership and vision which played a pivotal role in shaping the RMRDC into a premier institution for raw materials research and development in Nigeria. Under his guidance, the council made significant strides in promoting the utilization of local raw materials, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth.
Dr. (Mrs) Oluremi Aribisala, who was also the pioneer Director-General RMRDC, recounted her encounter with the late Chief Iwuanyanwu. She described him as a gentleman and a sportsperson who reflected on his legacy and values while emphasizing self-sacrifice and development as one of his core values.
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“His dedication to public service went beyond titles and benefits. He led without entitlement, refusing luxury or personal privileges even attached to his role. His sole focus was the development of Raw Materials Research and Development Council in particular, and Nigeria as a whole. By using his resources for official duties, he showed that leadership is not about what one can take but what one can do”, she stated.
She also highlighted the impact of the Pioneer Board Chairman’s contributions to raw materials research and development and emphasized the importance of living a life of legacy and impact.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacy stands as a model of how adherent principles can give organizational success. His past experience as a businessman, politician helped me navigate the challenges and opportunities, changes in leadership….”, She explained.
She further listed key pillars of Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacy, which include self-sacrifice, merit-based leadership, people-oriented leadership, staff welfare and development, visionary leadership, and innovation.
Dr. Aribisala added that “he recognized that only a capable workforce will realize RMRDC’s ambitious goals, the commitment to merit, ensure the foundation of integrity and excellence within RMRDC, that many of those pioneer staff have gone on to hold critical leadership position across Nigeria and the world”.
On his part, the DG RMRDC, Prof Nnayelugo Martins Ike-Muonso in his address at the session noted that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was instrumental in defining the Council’s vision and mission, advocating for the development and use of Nigeria’s industrial raw materials. Adding that his relentless pursuit of reducing import reliance and conserving foreign exchange, along with his esteemed colleagues on the Board, will always be remembered.
According to the DG, “As a renowned Engineer, Industrialist, Humanist, Philanthropist, Politician, Statesman, and hero, among many other attributes, today, we honor his memory and contributions to RMRDC’s success. We remember also his leadership, wisdom, and dedication to Nigeria’s industrial growth. And even as we bid farewell to this exceptional individual, we take comfort that his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched”.
At the session, the Director, Directorate of Corporate Affairs of RMRDC, Mr Chuks Ngaha in the Eulogy, described the late Chief Iwuanyanwu as a renowned and accomplished politician, businessman, philanthropist, and elder statesman.
“As pioneer Chairman of RMRDC, Chief Iwuanyanwu contributed immensely to policy formulations that have positioned RMRDC on a solid footing since its inception to date. During his tenure as Board Chairman of RMRDC, the Council initiated and executed several national projects and programmes which directly and positively impacted the country’s manufacturing sector” he eulogized.
The event brought together dignitaries, colleagues, family members, past Directors General, Directors, current Directors, and Deputy Directors of the RMRDC who gathered to celebrate his contributions to Nigeria’s industrial development.
The session also featured tributes from the former Directors General of the Council, guests shared personal anecdotes and highlighted Chief Iwuanyanwu’s vision for a self-reliant Nigeria.
As RMRDC mourns the loss of a visionary leader, Chief Iwuanyanwu’s impact on Nigeria’s industrial landscape will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
