Awka, NIGERIA – The death of former Nigerian lawmaker, Senator Annie Okonkwo drew an immediate outpouring of condolences from around the country. From the Governor of his home State – Anambra, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Senators, politicians, and business leaders, the praise was overwhelming for late Senator Okonkwo.
Governor Soludo who expressed sadness at the news of the death of the former Senator who represented Anambra Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, described late Senator Annie Okonkwo as a good-willed politician who contributed to the development of the state and the nation.
The Governor noted that as a prominent son of Anambra State who, the late Senator Okonkwo has paid his own due.
“The Governor, on behalf of Anambra State Government and the entire people of the State, commiserates with the family and friends of the deceased over this painful loss”, Soludo said.
The Governor further prayed that the good Lord grant his soul eternal rest and the family he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Annie Okonkwo, born on 23 May 1960 in Ojoto, near Onitsham was elected Nigerian Senator for the Anambra Central constituency, taking office on 29 May 2007. He was a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
He obtained an Advanced Diploma in Management, Harvard University, USA (1997–1998), Advanced Diploma in Commercial Law and Practice, University of Lagos (1995–1997) and Advanced Diploma in Marketing, University of Lagos (1994–1995).
He built a conglomerate employing over 7,000 people that includes firms such as Reliance Telecomm, Clemco Industries, Modern Communications (satellite TV Network), MacClemm Marketing Communications, Sunflower Nigeria and Pentagon Oil.
After taking his seat in the Senate, he was appointed to committees on Upstream Petroleum Resources, Police Affairs, Environment (vice-chairman) and Agriculture. Okonkwo died in the United States on 7 June 2023, at the age of 63.
By Oleka Percy Oleka, AWKA