Okaka Ojoto Bows Out at 63

Annie Okonkwo, a former senator and industrialist, has died at the age of 63 after a long battle with a terminal illness.

He reportedly died in the United States, where he had been receiving treatment.

His death was confirmed by a family member, who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity.

Okonkwo was a former lawmaker who represented Anambra Central senatorial district in the National Assembly from 2007 to 2011.

He was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was known for his philanthropy and business acumen.

He recently celebrated his 63rd birthday on May 23, 2023.

His son, Uchenna Okonkwo, is the House of Representatives member-elect for Idemili North and South federal constituencies in Anambra State.

Okonkwo's death has been mourned by many Nigerians, especially his political associates and friends.

One of them is Dr Chris Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State and the immediate past minister of labour and employment.

Ngige described Okonkwo's death as a fall of an iroko tree in the forest with an attendant huge loss to the business and political firmament of Anambra State, the South East and Nigeria in general.

He said Okonkwo was a very strong and dogged politician with whom he had many political battles and contests.

He praised him for his sportsmanship and said he did not go to court to challenge his victory in the 2011 senatorial election.

He also extended his condolences to the Okonkwo family of Iru-Ebenebe Ojoto, where he held the high chieftaincy title of Okaka and Agunechemba, the government and people of Anambra State and the Nigerian political and business community.