Senator Athan Achonu Biography
Entrepreneur, politician, and business strategist Athan Achonu was born on May 31, 1959, in Okigwe, Imo State in Nigeria, and is renowned for his outstanding leadership abilities and creative thinking.
He lost his right arm during the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, but overcame this challenge to become a successful entrepreneur, founding companies like Nejach Engineering Ltd and Orient Refining Company Nigeria Ltd.
He served as Senator for Imo North in 2015 and ran for the governorship of Imo State in 2023 as the Labour Party candidate.
Known for his advocacy for people with disabilities and community development, his estimated net worth is $50 million.
Senator Athan Achonu Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Athan Nneji Achonu |
| Date of Birth | May 31, 1959 (Age 66 Years Old as of 2025) |
| Hometown | Okigwe, Imo State, Nigeria |
| Nickname | “One-Armed General” |
| Family | Sixth of eight children in a Christian Igbo family |
| Father | Chief (Sir) T.E.O. Achonu, MFR, a community leader and educationist |
| Education | Madonna High School, Etiti; Government College, Umuahia; Degree in Agronomy from John Cabot University |
| Entrepreneurship | Founder of Nejach Engineering Ltd, Okebaram Resources Ltd, Mathan Nigeria Ltd, Orient Refining Company Nigeria Ltd, Chia Enterprises Ltd |
| Political Career | Elected Senator for Imo North (2015) under PDP; election annulled; 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate |
| Personal Story | Lost his right arm during the Nigerian Civil War (1970); advocate for people with disabilities |
| Estimated Net Worth | $50 million |
Senator Athan Achonu’s Age and Early Life
Senator Athan Nneji Achonu was born on May 31, 1959, in Okigwe, Imo State, Nigeria, to Chief (Sir) T.E.O Achonu, MFR, and Lady Martha Achonu.
He began his education at Madonna High School in Etiti, Imo State, and continued at Government College Umuahia in Abia State.
He furthered his studies at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy, where he earned a degree in agronomy.
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Senator Athan Achonu Career
Achonu embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in his mid-20s, establishing several successful companies that have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic development.
His ventures span various sectors, including engineering, oil and gas, and agriculture.
Notable among his enterprises are Nejach Engineering Limited, Okebaram Resources Limited, Mathan Nigeria Limited, Orient Refining Company Nigeria Limited, and Chia Enterprises Limited.
These companies have not only created employment opportunities but have also played pivotal roles in advancing Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
In 2015, Achonu transitioned into politics and was elected as the Senator representing Imo North under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
However, his tenure was cut short when the Appeal Court annulled his election due to the PDP’s logo being omitted from the ballot paper, subsequently declaring Benjamin Uwajumogu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner.
Undeterred, Achonu continued his political pursuits and, in April 2023, emerged as the Labour Party’s governorship candidate for Imo State after securing victory in the party’s primary election held in Owerri.
Known for his resilience and commitment to public service, Achonu has been involved in various philanthropic initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
His personal experiences have fueled his passion for advocacy, particularly concerning individuals with disabilities.
Achonu’s life story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how personal adversity can be transformed into a driving force for societal impact.
Senator Athan Achonu Personal Life
Family and Marriage: Senator Achonu is married to Aisha Achonu. The couple has been publicly active together, notably casting their votes side by side during the Imo State governorship election on November 11, 2023.
Faith and Upbringing: Raised in a devout Christian Igbo family, Achonu’s upbringing instilled in him strong values of community service and resilience.
Philanthropy: Known for his commitment to humanitarian causes, Achonu has initiated numerous programs aimed at uplifting the less privileged. His philanthropic efforts include providing educational scholarships, facilitating skill development, and creating employment opportunities, particularly in the Okigwe zone.
Advocacy: Having lost his right arm during the Nigerian Civil War, Achonu has been a vocal advocate for individuals with disabilities, using his personal experiences to inspire and drive change.
Senator Athan Achonu Net Worth
As of 2025, Senator Athan Nneji Achonu has an estimated net worth of approximately $50 million.
This wealth is attributed to his successful ventures in various sectors, including engineering, oil and gas, and agriculture.
Notably, he founded companies such as Nejach Engineering Limited, Mathan Nigeria Limited, Okebaram Resources Limited, Chia Enterprises Limited, and Orient Refining Company Nigeria Limited.
Senator Athan Achonu Legacy
Symbol of resilience, known as the One-Armed General for overcoming disability.
Pioneer for inclusivity, becoming Nigeria’s first physically challenged governorship candidate.
Successful entrepreneur, creating jobs through businesses in oil, gas, engineering, and agriculture.
Advocate for people with disabilities and the underprivileged.
- Inspiring figure, celebrated for turning adversity into impact through leadership, service, and philanthropy.
A Fun Set Of Trivia About Senator Athan Achonu
Famous Nickname: Known as the “One-Armed General” after losing his right arm during the Nigerian Civil War, a symbol of his resilience and determination.
Unexpected Education: Although a businessman and politician, he holds a degree in Agronomy from John Cabot University in Rome.
Election Twist: His 2015 Senate election was annulled because the PDP logo was missing from the ballot, a rare and notable political event.
Political Power Couple: Voted in the 2023 Imo State election alongside his wife, Aisha Achonu, showing a unified public front.
Disability Advocate: Despite his disability, he advocates passionately for the rights and empowerment of people with disabilities.
Business Tycoon: Built a business empire with companies in oil, gas, engineering, and agriculture.
“Aku Ruo Ulo” Philosopher: Embraces and promotes the Igbo philosophy of “Aku Ruo Ulo”, encouraging the use of wealth for the development of one’s home community.
Senator Athan Nneji Achonu Social Media
Facebook: Senator Athan Nneji Achonu.
Senator Athan Achonu Photos
FAQs
1. Who Is Senator Athan Nneji Achonu?
Senator Athan Nneji Achonu is a Nigerian entrepreneur and politician, born on May 31, 1959, in Okigwe, Imo State.
After losing his right arm during the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, he defied the odds to become a prosperous businessman, founding notable companies such as Nejach Engineering Ltd and Orient Refining Company Nigeria Ltd.
He represented Imo North as a Senator in 2015 and ran for Imo State Governor in 2023 as the Labour Party candidate.
Recognized for his advocacy for people with disabilities and community growth, his net worth is estimated at $50 million.
2. What is Senator Athan Achonu best known for?
Senator Athan Achonu is best known for being a resilient leader who overcame a significant physical challenge, losing his right arm during the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, and went on to achieve success as a businessman, politician, and advocate for people with disabilities.
3. How did Senator Achonu lose his arm?
Senator Achonu lost his right arm during the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, a traumatic experience that he turned into a symbol of personal strength and resilience. This loss earned him the nickname “One-Armed General”.
4. What are the major highlights of Senator Athan Achonu’s political career?
He was elected as the Senator for Imo North in 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), although his election was annulled due to a ballot issue.
He ran for Governor of Imo State in 2023 as the Labour Party’s candidate, demonstrating his continued influence in politics.
5. What is Senator Achonu’s net worth?
Senator Achonu’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $50 million. His wealth primarily comes from his business ventures in industries such as oil and gas, engineering, and refining.
6. What educational background does Senator Achonu have?
Senator Achonu attended Madonna High School in Etiti and Government College in Umuahia.
He later studied Agronomy at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy, earning a degree that helped shape his entrepreneurial ventures in agriculture and other industries.
7. What does Senator Achonu advocate for?
Senator Achonu is a strong advocate for people with disabilities, especially those in Nigeria.
He promotes the philosophy of “Aku Ruo Ulo”, which means wealth should benefit the community. He encourages the wealthy to invest in local development and uplift their communities.
8. What are some of Senator Athan Achonu’s major business ventures?
Orient Refining Company Nigeria Ltd
These businesses span industries such as engineering, oil and gas, and refining.
9. How has Senator Achonu influenced Nigerian society?
His resilience and leadership have made him an inspirational figure, particularly for people with disabilities.
He has influenced politics by advocating for inclusive governance and has played an active role in various community development initiatives, from his business dealings to his public advocacy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Senator Athan Nneji Achonu is a resilient Nigerian businessman and politician who, despite facing significant challenges, such as losing his right arm during the Nigerian Civil War, has built a successful career.
He is the founder of several businesses and has contributed to the political landscape, serving as a Senator and running for Governor of Imo State.
Known for his advocacy for people with disabilities and community development, Achonu’s remarkable journey is a testament to his determination and leadership, with an estimated net worth of $50 million.
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