By Nna Anulumadu
The press secretary to the Archbishop of Onitsha and Director of Trinitas Communications, Archdiocese of Onitsha, Rev Fr Dr George Adimike, recently charged leaders globally to always leave a lasting legacy to impact positively on the lives of society members.
Fr Adimike gave the charge while delivering a homily to mark the 2nd Memorial Service of Late Senator Annie Clement Okonkwo, Agunachem Ojoto, at his private Marian Chapel, Iruebenebe village, Ojoto.
Fr Adimike described Late Senator Okonkwo as a great man, humble, and a cheerful giver, who used his God-given wealth for the service of God and humanity, and urged his family to keep his legacies alive.
In their separate speeches, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Uche Ekwenife, Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo, Igwe Augustine Emelobe, Eze-okpoko II of Oba, Igwe Gerard Mbamalu Eze-Ojoto III, his brother, Chief Jude Okonkwo, Ide Ojoto, among other dignitaries across the country, said they came to identify with the family of a great icon, Senator Annie Okonkwo’s second Memorial Service, and described him as an influential leader, whose business acumen and political career made significant contributions to leadership development, economic empowerment, and the advancement of progressive politics in Anambra and Nigeria at large.
They noted that Senator Annie Okonkwo was a bridge-builder, who leveraged his wealth, influence, and public offices to uplift his people, adding that his name remains synonymous with courage, generosity, and selfless service, and called on his family to keep to his laudable legacies and not allow it to die.
Appreciating their guests, the widow of the late Senator, Lady Dr Chinyere Okonkwo, and his son, and member representing Idemili N/S in the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja, Hon Uche Okonkwo, said Senator Okonkwo was a great husband and father, a man of faith who cared for the great and poor alike.
They stated that the 2nd Memorial Service is not only about mourning his passing, but it is about celebrating a life well spent. It is also about remembering the laughter, love, counsel, sacrifice, courage, and quiet strength with which he faced life.
“We are deeply comforted by the knowledge that his legacies live on, not only through family, but through the institutions he strengthened, the communities he served, the Annie Okonkwo Foundation, which continues to reflect his heart for humanity,” they said, later describing him as a man with example, principle, dependable, and generous.
For his children, Nkem, Annie Junior, Ekene, Somto, their father was a man of conviction, substance, uncommon generosity, who believed firmly that leadership was not about title, but about responsibilities to family, community, and country.
Annie was born in 1960 and rose through life with vigor and determination, whether as a businessman, philanthropist, public servant, or Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He carried all with dignity and purpose and was deeply committed to the progress of his people, believing passionately in uplifting others, especially the less privileged/downtrodden.
The memorial service drew Bishop Martin Uzoukwu of Minna Diocese, captains of industry, political leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, all gathered to reflect on the achievements and lasting impact of Senator Annie Okonkwo, whose legacies continue to resonate across Ojoto, Anambra, and Nigeria.
