Joel Ajayi
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) on Tuesday held a grand ceremony to honor its pioneer board chairman, the late Chief Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu his distinguished service and unwavering dedication to the promotion of raw materials development in Nigeria and beyond.
Staff members, dignitaries, thought leaders, and colleagues gathered at the council’s headquarters in Abuja to pay tribute to the statesman and philanthropist for his exceptional contributions and lasting legacy.
Attendees commemorated his enduring influence, vision, and the critical role he played in building the foundation of RMRDC. His dedication to Nigeria’s economic growth and self-reliance through raw materials research and development was highlighted as an inspiration to many.
During the valedictory session, the Director of RMRDC praised Chief Dr. Iwuanyanwu for his visionary leadership and lifelong contributions to the council. He emphasized that Dr. Iwuanyanwu’s impact on the organization and the nation’s economy would be remembered as a cornerstone in Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable development and resource independence.
Chief Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu’s legacy, both as a compassionate philanthropist and a pioneer in raw materials research, remains a guiding influence for RMRDC and Nigeria as a whole.
Speaking at the event, the Director General/CEO of Raw Materials Research and Development Council RMRDC RMRDC Prof. Nnanyelugo Martins Ike-Muonso, said the Council, is celebrating his immense impact on RMRDC, individuals, and country at large.
Accordint to him, We gather today with heavy hearts yet grateful spirits to honour and celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of a true visionary, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
“In 1988, when the Raw Materials Research and Development Council took its first steps at 28 Berkeley Street, Lagos, Chief Iwuanyanwu, our pioneer Board Chairman, alongside the then Director General, Prof. Mrs. Oluremi Aribisala, sculpted the Council’s vision and mission with unwavering dedication. His foresight in promoting strategies and policies to guide the development and utilization of Nigeria’s industrial raw materials laid the foundation for our country’s industrial growth and self-reliance.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu’s tireless efforts, alongside his distinguished Board members, to reduce import dependency and conserve foreign exchange have left an indelible mark on our nation’s economic landscape. His vision continues to guide us, even as we stand at the threshold of a new era in raw materials management.
“Inspired by his pioneering spirit, our Council now collaborates with the National Assembly on groundbreaking legislation. This draft bill aims to revolutionize our approach to raw materials, mandating a minimum of 30% local processing before any export. This initiative honours Chief Iwuanyanwu’s legacy and aligns perfectly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, promising to boost value addition, create jobs, and strengthen our economy.
“His wisdom, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress will forever echo in the corridors of our institution and in the hearts of all who knew him.”
However, President-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the octogenarian died on Thursday, July 25 2024, after a brief illness age of 82.
