Achike Udenwa is a Nigerian politician who served as the governor of Imo State from 1999 to 2007. He is also a former minister of commerce and industry.
We’d be seeing Achike Udenwa’s biography, date of birth, age, early life, family, wife, children, political career, net worth, houses, cars, social media handles, and more.
Full name: Chief (Dr.) Achike Uzoma Udenwa
Date of birth: 20th October, 1948
Age: 75 years (2023)
Nationality: Nigerian
Parents: Pa Johnson and Felicia Udenwa
Wife: Prof. Mrs. Theresa Agbonma Udenwa
Children: Six
Education: University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
Occupation: Politician
Net worth:
Achike Udenwa Biography and Early Life
Achike Udenwa was born in 1948 in Orlu, Imo State. He is an Igbo by ethnicity and a Christian by religion. He attended St. Joseph’s Primary School in Orlu and Holy Ghost College in Owerri for his primary and secondary education respectively. He then proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1972. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration from the same university.
Udenwa worked as an accountant and auditor in various private and public organizations before joining politics. He was the chief accountant of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1985 to 1988, and the director of finance and administration of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria from 1988 to 1992. He also served as a consultant to the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme.
Political Career
Udenwa joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998 and contested for the governorship of Imo State in the 1999 general elections. He won the election with 55% of the votes, defeating his closest rival, Evan Enwerem of the All People’s Party (APP). He was sworn in as the third civilian governor of Imo State on May 29, 1999.
As governor, Udenwa focused on improving infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and security in the state. He initiated several projects such as the construction of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, markets, and water schemes. He also established the Imo State University, the Imo State Polytechnic, and the Imo State College of Education. He promoted peace and unity among the various ethnic groups in the state and fostered cordial relations with other states and the federal government.
Udenwa was re-elected for a second term in 2003 with 63% of the votes, defeating his main challenger, Ifeanyi Araraume of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). He continued his developmental agenda and implemented policies such as free education, poverty alleviation, rural electrification, and youth empowerment. He also supported the presidential bid of Umaru Yar’Adua in 2007.
Udenwa’s tenure as governor ended on May 29, 2007. He was succeeded by Ikedi Ohakim of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA). In December 2008, President Yar’Adua appointed him as the minister of commerce and industry. He served in this capacity until March 2010 when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved his cabinet.
Udenwa remained active in politics after leaving office. He contested for the Imo West senatorial seat in 2011 but lost to Hope Uzodinma of the PDP. He also vied for the national chairmanship of the PDP in 2016 but withdrew from the race. He is currently a member of the PDP Board of Trustees.
Personal Life
Udenwa is married to Prof. Mrs. Theresa Agbonma Udenwa, a highly accomplished academician and the current HOD of Banking & Finance at Nasarawa State University. The union is blessed with six children. Udenwa is a devout Catholic and a Knight of St. Mulumba.
Net Worth
Udenwa’s net worth is estimated at $10 million as of 2023. He has accumulated his wealth from his political career and his investments in real estate, hospitality, agriculture, and oil and gas.