Senator Athan Nneji Achonu is the Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party in Imo State. His story is the average Nigerian story — strong Igbo family Christian values, a middle-class upbringing, civil war tragedy, struggles, resilience, hard work, and the unyielding conviction to overcome every challenge that life brings.
His, is a story of strength and growth that comes through courage, persistent effort, pertinacious resistance to failure and blessed life lived in service to others.
Born in 1959 to the family of Chief (Sir) T.E.O Achonu, MFR; and Nneoma (Lady) Martha Achonu of blessed memory. He is the 6th child out of 8 Children. His late father, Chief T.E.O Achonu was a family man, community leader, educationist of repute, politician and a nationalist who played key roles in the political and socio-economic development of Old Mbano Division where he served as Chairman. He was responsible for some of the policies and projects that helped shape education and political developments in old Mbano & old Okigwe areas.
Senator Athan Achonu is better described as an ‘Ideas Distillery’ and smart entrepreneur saw the need to provide solutions to life’s complex challenges, hence his early entry into business providing solutions with maximum return on investments.
He was in the National Assembly, though briefly before he was removed through the courts because Acord party’s logo missing from the ballot papers. Within the short period, he made very lasting contributions to the 8th Assembly and to his constituency.
The Aku ruo ulo Movement is inspired by Senator Achonu and is built on 7 Key Focal Areas- Security, Infrastructure, Education, Agriculture/Tourism, Manufacturing, Employment, and Excellence in Leadership. He believes Igbos should come home and invest and for the past 20 years he has been championing Aku ruo ulo, encouraging Igbos to come develop the South East.
In line with his Aku Ruo Ulo vision, he set up several businesses in the South East including Numo Farms, a sprawling massive agricultural/tourism business with huge capacity to employ 2000 youths and more.
Senator Achonu, being a man of peace understands the nexus between security, investments and community development. He has shown and continues to show leadership towards resolving the insecurity bedeviling the South East, especially in Imo State. Recently, he got approval from the IG of police to repair 10 Police Armoured Personel Carriers (APC) with about 160m Naira to help curb insecurity in Imo State.He continues to help in the fight against insecurity and restoration of peace in Imo State.
Senator Achonu is emphatic with his stand on Local Government Autonomy. He believes LGA autonomy will help restore democracy, development, peace and security in the South East.
Senator Achonu is a man engraced by God. Though with one arm (which be lost after the civil war), he believes the scriptures that says “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”
Senator Athan Achonu lives a life of giving, philanthropy and shared humanity. He uses his God-given privileges to assist the less privileged, provide educational scholarships for many students in Okigwe zone. He is married to his lovely wife and beautiful children.