Annie Okonkwo

Image Prince Don Okonkwo

Clement Annie Okonkwo
Senator for Anambra Central
In office
29 May 2007 – May 2011
Preceded byEmmanuel Anosike
Succeeded byChris Ngige
Personal details
BornClement Annie Okonkwo
(1960-05-23)23 May 1960
Ojoto, Anambra State, Federation of Nigeria
Died7 June 2023(2023-06-07) (aged 63)
United States
Alma materHarvard University
University of Lagos

Clement Annie Okonkwo (// ⓘ; 23 May 1960 – 7 June 2023) was a Nigerian politician and business mogul. He 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).[1]


Early Life and Education

Okonkwo was born on 23 May 1960 in Ojoto, near Onitsha in Anambra State.[2] 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).[1] Entering business, 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.[2]


Career

Before Political offices, Okonkwo was involved in business with interests in telecommunications, manufacturing, oil and gas, real estate, banking, and import and export. He served as chairman of the Clemco Group, a business conglomerate comprising companies including Reliance Telecommunications, Clemco Industries, Modern Communications, MacClemm Marketing Communications, Sunflower Nigeria, and Pentagon Oil.[3][4][5]

Political career

After taking his seat in the Senate, he was appointed to committees on Upstream Petroleum Resources, Police Affairs, Environment (vice-chairman) and Agriculture.[1] In a mid-term evaluation of Senators in May 2009, ThisDay noted that he had sponsored a bill for the Federal Government to make essential commodities accessible and affordable to Nigerians, and a bill to establish the Nigerians Citizens in Diaspora Commission.[6] He was a contender in the February 2010 elections for Anambra State Governor.[7] However, he lost to the incumbent, Peter Obi, who was reelected.[8]

Community impacts

Annie was involved in philanthropic and community development initiatives through the Agunechemba Foundation, which he established in 2007. The foundation supported programmes in education, healthcare, and social welfare in Anambra State. Following his death, its activities continued through the Annie Okonkwo Foundation, established to preserve his legacy and continue its community-based initiatives.[9]

Awards and Recognition

Annie Okonkwo received the Democracy Icon of the Year 2019 award at the Champion Newspapers Excellence Awards in recognition of his contributions to democratic governance and youth participation in politics.[10]

Personal life

Annie Okonkwo was married to Chinyelu Okonkwo, and they had children.[11][12]

Death

Annie Okonkwo died on 7 June 2023 in the United States at the age of 63 after a prolonged illness. Following his death, tributes were paid by political leaders, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo..[13][14][15][16][17][18]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Sen. Annie Okonkwo". National Assembly of Nigeria. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
  2. 1 2 "About Annie". Annie Okonkwo. Archived from the original on 14 June 2009. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
  3. ↑ Reporter, Samuel Oamen | Senior. "Nine things to know about late Senator Annie Okonkwo". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  4. ↑ Telegraph, New (8 August 2023). "The life and times of Annie Okonkwo (1960-2023)". New Telegraph. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  5. ↑ Udo, Mary (16 February 2017). "OKONKWO, Annie". Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  6. ↑ "An Improved Senate, But Some Uninspiring Senators..." ThisDay. 24 May 2009. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
  7. ↑ Charles Onyekamuo (30 August 2009). "Okonkwo Vs Obi – A Paradoxical Challenge". ThisDay. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
  8. ↑ "Obi Re-elected Anambra State Governor...(UPDATED)". ThisDay. 2 July 2010. Archived from the original on 12 February 2010. Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  9. ↑ "One-year Memorial: Peter Obi, Pat Utomi, Others Launch Annie Okonkwo Foundation". This Day. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  10. ↑ Nwafor (26 March 2020). "Okonkwo wins democracy Icon of the year 2019 award". Vanguard News. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  11. ↑ Shibayan, Dyepkazah (8 June 2023). "Annie Okonkwo, ex-Anambra central senator, is dead". TheCable. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  12. ↑ "Family, Foundation Celebrate Second Anniversary of Senator Annie Okonkwo's Death". This Day. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  13. ↑ "Senator Annie Okonkwo is dead". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. 8 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  14. ↑ Obianeri, Ikenna (8 June 2023). "Former Anambra Senator, Annie Okonkwo, dies at 63". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  15. ↑ Anichukwueze, Donatus (8 June 2023). "Ex-Anambra Lawmaker Annie Okonkwo Is Dead". Channels Television. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  16. ↑ "June 2023". Vanguard News. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  17. ↑ "Former Anambra senator, Annie Okonkwo, dies at 63". Businessday NG. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
  18. ↑ "Senator Annie Okonkwo dies at 63". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 11 July 2026.
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