Martin Elechi

Martin Elechi Biography / Profile

Martin Nwancho Elechi was born on February 7th, 1941 at Ohankwu Village, Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Martin Elechi Age

Martin Elechi is 83 years old.

Martin Elechi Early Life

Elechi began his Primary Education at the Native Authority School and completed it at Native Authority School Nkwagu Izzi, in Ebonyi State in 1954. He proceeded for his Secondary Education at Mary Knoll Secondary School Okuku Ogoja in Cross River State where he got his West African School Leaving Certificate in 1959. He went further to Holy Family College, Abak in Awka Ibom State where he obtained his Higher School Certicate in 1961. Subsequently in 1966, he bagged a First Class B.Sc degree in Economics from the Lovanium University of Congo.

Martin Elechi Career

As a graduate, Elechi worked as a teacher at St. Edna Secondary School; Iboko and Izzi County Secondary School both at Abakaliki. He was also a part time lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He led the defunct Ebonyi State Movement, a group that waged a successful decade-long campaign for the creation of Ebonyi State. Named after a patron saint – Martin – who was both a soldier and a clergyman

In the defunct East-Central State, Chief Elechi was variously: Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development; Commissioner for Trade and Industry; and Commissioner for Works and Housing – spanning the period between 1970 and 1975. He was chairman or member of numerous Boards, Commissions and Parastatals. He was a member of the defunct Constituent Assembly of Nigeria, representing Abakaliki/Ikwo Constituency between 1977 and 1978, and was the Executive Secretary of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) between 1980 and 1982. In January 2003, he was a member of the Committee on the Presidential Primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Between 1968 and 1996, Elechi led in different capacities in the crusade for the creation of Ebonyi State. Eleven years after the creation of Ebonyi State.

He ran in the general elections on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) ticket and assumed the position on May 29th, 2007 as the governor of Ebonyi State succeeding Sam Egwu. Elechi ran successfully for re-election on April 26th, 2011. He was succeeded by Dave Umahi on May 29th, 2015. In 2017 he left the PDP for the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Martin Elechi Personal Life

Elechi is married to Chief (Mrs.) Josephine Elechi and they are blessed with Children and grandchildren.

Martin Elechi Awards

Elechi has been conferred with numerous titles, awards and recognitions at all levels, including: Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), Ocho Udo, Ide-ji-Ulo, Aha Eji Agamba and Ochi Mba.