Ex-Imo lawmaker Nnanna dies at 69

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

Former Imo State lawmaker Chief Ethelbert Nnanna has died at the age of 69, his family announced on Thursday.

Nnanna, who represented Oguta State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, passed away after a brief illness, according to a family statement.

A veteran politician and community leader, Nnanna served in the Imo Assembly from 2003 to 2007. After leaving the legislature, he was appointed Transition Committee Chairman of Oguta Local Government Area and later served as Special Adviser on Contact and Mobilisation to then Governor Ikedi Ohakim.

Born in Umuomara, Obeama Agwa in Oguta LGA, Nnanna began his career in public service before moving into politics. He worked with the then Imo State Environmental Sanitation Authority and later at Adapalm, where he rose to managerial positions.

Beyond elective office, he was deeply involved in traditional and community leadership. He held the title of Chief and served as the traditional prime minister of Mbano Autonomous Community, Agwa. He was also a Knight of St John International and Chairman/CEO of Complimentary Hotel and Suites, Owerri.

The family described him as “a man of integrity, service, and unwavering commitment to humanity” whose life impacted politics, business and grassroots development in Imo State.

Tributes have poured in from across the state. Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Public Orientation, Hon. Collins Ughalaa, described the late Nnanna as “dependable and honest”.

“Nnanna’s life impacted politics, business and community development in Imo State,” the family said in the statement, adding that he will be remembered for his “wisdom, kindness and dedication to community development”.