By Chinedum Anayo
Some men inherit a name; others build a legacy.
Sir Longers Anyanwu, popularly known as Ebube Dike Gburugburu of Obowo Kingdom in Imo State, belongs to the latter.
A distinguished Nigerian politician, businessman and public administrator, he has carved a remarkable path through public service, private enterprise and partisan politics, earning recognition as a leader whose influence extends across multiple sectors.
Born into a politically active family, Sir Longers is the son of the late Hon. Nze Raymond Onyemauche Anyanwu (Anueyiagu Amuzi), a respected politician who played active roles during Nigeria’s First, Second and Third Republics.
His mother, Nneoma Martha Ekechi Okorie, hails from the renowned Ezeji Okorie family of Ihitte-Afo-Ukwu in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
As a figure driven by passion for quality education, he began his academic journey at St. Gregory Primary School, Ihitte-Afo-Ukwu, before proceeding to Paternoster College, Ekwerazu, Mbaise, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate.
He later attended the University of Calabar, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA).
In pursuit of professional development, Sir Longers completed a postgraduate programme in Organizational Change Management at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
He also obtained a certificate in Democracy and Accountability from Canfield University, United Kingdom, and further enhanced his leadership credentials through studies at the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.
Sir Longers, before venturing fully into politics, built a successful career in the marketing and corporate departments of several multinational companies in Lagos, where he spent over 15 years acquiring extensive experience in management and business development.
His transition into public service saw him serve as Special Adviser to former Senate President, Senator Pius Anyim, before expanding his interests into entrepreneurship.
Today, his business interests cut across diverse sectors, including hospitality, education, broadcasting, real estate, entertainment, agriculture, manufacturing, consultancy and contracting, making him one of the notable indigenous entrepreneurs from Imo State with investments spanning multiple industries.
Sir Longers has held several strategic political appointments.
He first served as Commissioner for Agriculture in Imo State from 2007 to 2011.
He later served as Senior Special Assistant to the Presidency on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), supervising Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security.
Chief Anyanwu subsequently became the pioneer Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) in Imo State.
In July 2026, Governor Hope Uzodinma again entrusted him with the state’s agricultural sector by appointing him Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Imo State.
He was formally sworn into office on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, marking his return to the ministry and reaffirming confidence in his experience and leadership.
Evidently, Sir Longers has remained an active participant in national politics.
He was the founder and National Chairman of the Accord Party and has contributed to several presidential campaigns, serving as a member of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua/Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign, the Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Council, and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2023 Presidential Campaign Council in Imo State.
His accomplishments in politics and business are complemented by a strong legacy of community based leadership, philanthropy and service to the Church.
A committed Catholic, he holds the prestigious title of Papal Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great, a distinction conferred in recognition of his exemplary service to the Catholic Church, humanity and society.
Through his commitment to humanity, he has championed initiatives in community development, youth empowerment, and charitable outreach, with positive outcomes across Imo State and beyond.
Sir Longers Anyanwu continues to be regarded as one of Imo State’s prominent political figures with decades of experience spanning governance, business and political leadership.
He is happily married and blessed with children, balancing his public responsibilities with a deep commitment to his family.
