Lady Ann Chukwuneke: The Former School Teacher Who Became A Serial Entrepreneur, Industrialist and The Philanthropic Force Behind Onitsha South’s Transformation.
Sylvanus Maria Mgbechukwu, Researcher, Poet, Author, Activist, Administrator and Writer, is the founder of Direction Arena and BestAdviceForAll.Com, a forum and platform dedicated and committed to Rectitude and Truth, where people could find Illumination, Direction, Sound Advice, Guidance, Inspiration, Tips, Assistance, Support Or Help, to guide them in today’s world that have become a dark jungle and forest of dangerous ideas, philosophies, lies, propaganda and mis-education that ruin unenlightened people.
In the vibrant and industrious city of Onitsha South, one name commands respect and admiration above all others: Hon. Lady Ann Chukwuneke. A former school teacher renowned for her remarkable beauty, brain, industry, entrepreneurial skills and creativity, she is the peoples’ delight any day.
Exuding grace and poise that captivates everyone she meets, her impeccable style and charismatic presence makes her a true icon in the metropolitan city of Onitsha South, and beyond.
Astonishingly creative and calculated, she is the philanthropic force behind Onitsha South’s metamorphosis. Reserved and calm by nature, yet exuding the infectious confidence of an amazon, and a trail blazer, that she really is.
As the former elected Mayor of the boisterous, commercial city of Onitsha South, Lady Ann’s life provides both inspiration and guidance to millions of people, especially fellow widows whose husbands died at the early years of their marriages and left them nothing to fall back on.
Her story is an interesting book on creativity, determination, self-belief, brain ability, innovation, business acumen, resilience and unwavering dedication and support for her community and the poor.
A Trailblazing Entrepreneur and Industrialist
Before her foray into politics, Lady Ann had already established herself as a formidable force in the business world. Her entrepreneurial journey began in 1992 when she quit teaching and took to entrepreneurship with the making and marketing of chin-chin. She soon added tasty cakes to her stables, while her chin-chin captivates the market. The popular delicious Iruka bread which seized and dominates the bread industry like a colossus was later introduced.
Over time, a combination of sheer determination, perseverance, prudence, hard-work, prayers and faith God, resulted in the transformation of that chin-chin/cake idea into notable brands like the delicious Iruka Bread, Iruka Big Brother Bread, cakes, confectionaries and other brands. Thus she nurtured and developed her mud and mortar chin-chin frying hut of yesteryears into the vibrant modern firms known today as Iruka Industries Ltd., with interests in other business sectors.
Definitely a combination of wisdom, prudence, personal discipline, self-belief, humility, frugality and focus, gave her the ingenuity to combine, quite effectively, the demands of nurturing and bringing up five kids as a widow, and the pursuit of her companies goals and aspirations with commitment, foresight and sound investment ideas. Her visionary leadership and strategic insights turned the company into a multi-million-naira empire, creating jobs and driving economic growth in the region.
Lady Ann’s industrial ventures have contributed in positioning Onitsha and environs as a hub of commerce and industry. Her investments in cutting-edge manufacturing facilities and technological innovation have not only boosted local production but also attracted international partnerships, enhancing the city’s global profile.
A Mayor with a Vision
Elected as the mayor of Onitsha South in 2014, Lady Ann, a mass-mobilizer noted for her organizational capacity, brought her intelligence, creativity, vision and experience to public service. Her tenure was marked by transformative ideas and projects aimed at improving the city, enhancing its services to the inhabitants, and fostering economic development.
One of her hallmark initiatives was the Onitsha-South-Must-Be-The-Best policy program, which focused on overall transformation of the city and providing the enabling environment for the various endeavors and pursuits of the city’s inhabitants. Starting with de-silting the drainage channels and improving the city’s environmental outlook, under her tenure, roads were rehabilitated and culverts constructed to link roads and streets, and ease public transportation within the city. Efforts were consistent to end the menace of trading on the roads. These efforts not only improved ease of movement and business in the city, but also beautified and improved the quality of life for its residents.
Lady Ann also prioritized education, personally funding the production of school bags, exercise books, uniforms and other incentives for primary school pupils. She initiated programs to renovate schools and provide scholarships. She also launched programs that enhanced clean and conducive learning environment, and boosted teachers’ morals.
Her belief in the power of education as a catalyst for change was evident in every policy she implemented, ensuring that the youth of Onitsha South had access to quality learning opportunities. Unarguably she left fond memories and an indelible mark on the city she loves.
It’s not surprising, therefore, that although she seem to have retired from active politics, she’s still being mentioned in political and high-profile circles, and often sought out for political or business consultations.
“Mama Onitsha South,”_ A Philanthropist Extraordinaire
Beyond her roles as an entrepreneur and mayor, Lady Ann is celebrated for her extraordinary philanthropic program which is a consistent annual drive to attack poverty _by supporting some 1000 widows irrespective of tribe or tongue, creed or political leaning.
Her charity focuses on poverty alleviation, skill acquisition and women empowerment. A philanthropist at heart, she was nicknamed “Mama Onitsha South” owing to her phenomenal philanthropic gestures which preceded her foray into politics and continues till date _long after she bid dirty Nigerian politics goodbye.
Beauty and Elegance
In addition to her professional and philanthropic achievements, Lady Ann is renowned for her striking beauty and elegance.
She moves with a natural grace, majestic in her measured steps, like a royal queen. Her gestures imbued with a quiet strength and serene confidence. Her presence is a symphony of beauty and poise, leaving an indelible impression on all who have the privilege to behold her.
A Faithful and Virtuous Woman
Piety and virtue, I know, are better than all qualities. In Lady Ann, you’ll discover both _together with edifying charity and humility. A devout Marian and staunch Catholic, she commits ample time, resources and energy to inspiring, encouraging and counseling women, especially widows, about life and issues of life, enlightening and guiding them to focus on God and training their children aright.
From a charming young lady whose teacher husband died when their children were still kids and infants, the reserved, homily and humane school teacher refused the advances of men, and prodding to remarry, preferring, instead, to withdraw from teaching, and with clear vision, veer into entrepreneurship and devout her life to training her kids in line with the demands of her Christian faith.
Always beaming with charming smiles that stems from her compassionate heart, she loves her Catholic faith, loves her state, loves the poor, especially her fellow widows, and reserves special love for her God, and the Virgin Mother, Mary, Blessed.
A Legacy of Impact
Lady Ann’s legacy is one of profound impact and enduring influence. Her visionary leadership, both in business and public service, has transformed Onitsha South into a thriving metropolis. Her philanthropic efforts continue to touch countless lives, fostering hope and opportunity for future generations.
As the city of Onitsha South moves forward, the contributions of Hon. Lady Ann Chukwuneke serves as a testament to what can be achieved with vision, determination, and a heart dedicated to service. Her story is an inspiration, reminding us all of the power of leadership and the importance of giving back to our communities.
