In this interview with MOTUNRAYO JOEL, daughter of businessman and chairman of Champion newspapers, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Nene, talks about her father’s personality
Tell us briefly about yourself
My name is Nene Eberechukwu Iwuanyanwu. We are a family of five children, three girls and two boys. I am the second child. I had my primary and secondary school education in Nigeria. I later moved to the United Kingdom to obtain a degree in law at the University of Cardiff. At the moment, I work in one of my father’s firms. I represent his business interest in Lagos. My job entails supervising some of his property undergoing renovation. I am also one of the directors of his group of companies.
Why didn’t you study journalism since your dad owns a newspaper?
My dad is actually an engineer, while my mum was a biologist, which shows that we are dynamic in my family. We don’t let our professions limit us to what we can do and we also believe in spreading our tentacles in terms of business aspirations.
Why did he start Champion newspaper?
Years back, before Champion newspaper was established, there was no Igbo-owned newspaper in Nigeria. So, my father thought it would be a good idea to establish a newspaper focusing on the Igbo community. Champion newspaper is actually the first Igbo-owned newspaper. Before the newspaper started, Igbos outside the East didn’t have a means of expressing themselves. So, with the coming of the newspaper, Igbos had a platform to speak. Some of them spoke about their housing problems in Lagos or if they were cheated in one area. The newspaper was able to focus on their issues better than any other newspaper. I would say, he started the newspaper to fill up that gap. However, the media industry has grown big. There is no more Igbo or Yoruba newspaper.
Can you recall your growing up with him?
My dad was a busy man, so anytime we had the chance to have him around; we made good use of it. One of the special moments was when I was seven or eight years old, we were on holiday in England, and he came over to spend time with us. During the holiday, he decided to take us out to an amusement park. I was very excited, not because I hadn’t been to a park before then, but because I rarely go out with him. My mum had more time for us than he did. When we arrived the park, I was so excited and because I wanted to be close him, I decided to get down from the car through the driver’s side instead of the passenger’s side. My dad didn’t know I was coming behind him, so he slammed the door, and my leg was in between, it really hurt me. He had to carry me all through the day. Despite the sprain, I enjoyed being carried by him. That moment remains special to me; I saw it as a pure father and daughter moment. I had the opportunity to be in his arms all day.
How often did he take his family out for picnic on those days?
When he got into politics, his work schedule became more hectic. Every weekend, he had an event to attend. He was just too busy, so, we hardly went out for picnics and all sorts. But there was something my dad loved to do, which was holding family meetings. To him, a time for prayers was another bonding session. Every morning, we would wake up at around 5am for prayers. Also, because of his conservative nature, he preferred staying indoors rather than going out. He rarely went out at night, he is security-conscious. Though, at times, he would take us out to eat.
How does he relax while at home?
He likes to watch documentaries on Discovery Channel. He used to watch World War documentary. He also enjoys listening to old Christian classical hymns. He does this a lot while driving.
Was he overprotective of his girls when they were growing up?
Honestly, I think he was more protective of my brothers, because he is someone that doesn’t believe in clubbing or partying. So, he sort of imposed this nature on them.
Does he advise you on the kind of man to marry?
Sometimes, he did, but he usually advised us to marry God-fearing men who are from our tribe. Though, one of my sisters married a Yoruba, but my dad didn’t mind because he speaks Igbo fluently.
What values have you imbibed from him?
My dad is a hard worker and he is passionate about whatever he does. I think I imbibed these values from him. He also doesn’t believe in complaints. According to him, every problem must have a solution.
What are the things you don’t like about him?
He never flogged us. But he preferred to scold us verbally and that was even more painful than being flogged. His words were harsh (smiles).
How have you benefitted from his name?
Honestly, I rarely use my surname except at social settings when I have to represent him. I do this because I want people to like me for who I am and not my name. Till today, some of my friends don’t know I’m his daughter and I like it that way. But this is not to say that his name hasn’t opened doors, it has opened a lot of doors. It has made my life easier; I don’t think I would be where I am if not because of him.
What are the values he cherishes?
My father taught us to have a good relationship with God. This has been a strong foundation for us. While growing up, we had to wake up early for prayers. Having a spiritual connection is very important to him. He is also a hard worker and has a strong work ethics.
Did he have time to tell his children stories?
Yes, he used to talk about the civil war a lot. He was a captain in the war and was among the people that fabricated bombs. According to him, the hand-made bombs were extremely disastrous. Though, when he talks about the war, he feels sad. He said it was the most horrible period for people. Despite voluntarily enlisting himself, he still regrets it till today.
How did he handle misunderstanding with your mother?
People may find this hard to believe, but I never saw them disagree. I think my mother was able to understand him and vice versa. I’m sure they had disagreements, but they never allowed the children to be aware of them.
Did he discuss his decision to remarry with his children?
He actually did, this was as far back as February this year. Though, he had already made up his mind about his decision to remarry and who he wanted to marry. We had to adjust in order to accommodate his decision. I know a lot of people queried his decision to marry a lady much younger than he is.
I know so many people didn’t support it. They found it out of his character, it’s like they didn’t expect him to take such a decision. I feel people were being too judgmental, they see him in a certain way and expect him to do certain things in a particular way. But in the long run, he is still a man. He may be popular, but he is still a man with emotions. He felt that he should get the best out of life before he dies. That is my presumption; he wanted to feel young again.
If you had your way, would you have talked him out of marrying a young lady?
I wouldn’t speak for my siblings, but for myself. Even if it was a young or mature lady, I would still find his decision to remarry awkward. I guess it’s because I was really close to my mother. Adjusting has been a huge challenge, but I’m getting there. A lot of people say if the lady wasn’t young, they wouldn’t have minded. Personally, I just wish my mother was still alive; people’s complaints don’t bother me.
How is your relationship with your step-mother?
My step-mother is very respectful and she minds her business. In the beginning, a lot of people kept saying she will change later, and become nasty, but I believe in judging people by their present character. At the moment, she is respectful and I appreciate that. Back to your question (laughs), we are not really that close. Though, I’ve realised that I have to make an effort to get close which I’ve been doing. I wouldn’t blame her for our not being close; I’m taking one day at a time. She calls me once in a while and we chat via BlackBerry messenger. I’m not someone that embraces people easily, I prefer taking my time.
And how is the relationship between your father and his new wife?
I think the same adjustment I have had to make is what my dad and his wife would have to make. They would have to learn to adjust and accept each other. But so far, I guess they are having a good time (smiles), since they are a new couple. Challenges will arise but that is not something I take interest in. I mind my business because I’m still mourning. But it is not the fault of anybody.
How did he feel about the stories concerning his marriage to a young lady?
He wasn’t happy, but he believes people would eventually get over them.
Did he read the stories?
No. He didn’t read them.
How does he handle criticisms?
He believes in constructive criticisms. However, if he is wrong, he ensures it doesn’t happen again. He doesn’t brood over things. He knows it would die down.
Who are your father’s friends?
I only know of his lawyer, they are very close. But I frequently saw some familiar faces in our house ; people like Kanu Nwankwo, a former Education Minister, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, including all the past first ladies and governors of Imo State. Once, we went to visit the late Sanni Abacha.
How did he discipline any of his children who did something wrong?
My father was a disciplinarian. Whenever we did something wrong, he would scold us immediately.
What is his favourite food?
He likes fried yam and Ofeuha.
What is his schedule like?
His work schedule is between Abuja and Owerri. He rarely comes to Lagos.
How do you feel being his daughter?
I feel honoured and we have a good relationship.
People call him a billionaire. Is he?
My father is not a show-off, he is very conservative. I think he has enough money that he can decide not to work for the rest of his life.
How sociable is he?
Because of the nature of his job, he has to be sociable. He is also very respectful; this is one thing he instilled in us. He calls people he meets ma or sir, no matter how young the person is.
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