… Peter Obi, Pat Utomi, Osita Chidoka in attendance
Anthony Iwuoma
Mr. Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in last year’s general election, was among several prominent dignitaries who stormed Lagos on Monday, December 15, to join the family of the late Distinguished Senator Clement Annie Okonkwo to mark the first anniversary of his transition to glory.
The late Senator had also distinguished himself in the world of business before death calling on June 7, 2023, aged 63 years.
Okonkwo had represented the Anambra Central Senatorial District in the upper chambers of the National Assembly between 2007 and 2011, where he left fondly remembered indelible marks.
The family also launched a Foundation in honour of the late business mogul-turned-politician to immortalize his name and sustain his legacies.
Okonkwo established the Agunaechemba Foundation in 2007 for the benefit of the needy and in pursuit of the provision of help in the areas of healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
A widely acknowledged philanthropist during his lifetime, Okonkwo sponsored the education of hundreds of young Nigerians both in Nigeria and outside the country.
However, as provided for in his will, the Agunaechemba Foundation has been rechristened as The Annie Okonkwo Foundation, TAOF.
The Foundation was launched at Harbour Point, Wilmot Point Road, Victoria Island, after a memorial anniversary Mass earlier at Church of Assumption on Awolowo Road, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Apart from Obi, other eminent dignitaries at the event included Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant; the Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, who was represented by Hon. Peter Ogene, former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, Prof Pat Utomi, Alhaji Imam Kasshim, among several others.
Hon. Uche Okonkwo, the late Senator’s son, who is a member of the House of Representatives, said the gathering was for the celebration of the remarkable life Annie Okonkwo lived and vowed that the family would continue to uphold what he stood for.
He described his father as a gentle, hardworking man who believed in generosity and left a mark on the lives of people he met. He recalled that the late Senator always admonished them to endeavour to make an impact in this life no matter what they do.
For his part, Annie’s younger brother, Tony Okonkwo, said the Foundation was all about the instruction left by the departed senator and promised that it would be implemented to the letter.
The late lawmaker’s widow, Lady Chinyere Okonkwo, gave a brief insight into the foundation’s history, saying it was meant to continue Okonkwo’s legacy by championing three core pillars: promoting cardiovascular/Cancer health, expanding educational access, and supporting economic empowerment for vulnerable populations through strategic programmes and projects, etc.
The hundreds of guests had much to eat and drink amid an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.
More details later…