Chris Anyanwu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Christiana Anyanwu
Senator for Imo East
In office 29 May 2007 – 2015
Preceded by	Amah Iwuagwu
Succeeded by	Samdady Anyanwu

Christiana "Chris" Anyanwu (born October 28, 1951) is a Nigerian journalist, writer, and politician. She was held in custody from 1995 to 1998. This happened after she reported on a political event involving the government of Sani Abacha. During this time, she won several international awards for her brave journalism, including the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.

Chris Anyanwu believed she could make a bigger difference in politics than in journalism. So, she decided to run for office. In 2007, she was elected as a Senator for the Imo East (Owerri) area.

Early Life and Career Journey

Chris Anyanwu was born in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. She went to Owerri Girls Secondary School. Later, she moved to the United States for her college education. She earned a degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. She also got a master's degree in Mass Communication from Florida State University.

After finishing her studies, she returned to Nigeria. She worked as a news reader and reporter for the NTA. She also worked for the Imo Broadcasting Corporation. In 1987, she became a government official in Imo State. She was in charge of information, youth, sports, culture, and social welfare. This was under Governor Amadi Ikwechegh.

After her time as a commissioner, Anyanwu started her own weekly magazine. It was called TSM (The Sunday Magazine). This magazine focused on important political topics.

Challenges and Awards

In May 1995, Chris Anyanwu was arrested. This happened after her magazine published a story about a political event. She and other Nigerian journalists were accused of serious wrongdoing. A special court tried her in private. On July 4, 1995, she was given a long sentence. This sentence was later shortened to 15 years in October 1995. This change came after many human rights groups spoke out. While she was held, she faced health challenges.

Soon after her arrest, she received the International Women's Media Foundation Courage in Journalism Award. This news spread around the world. Chris Anyanwu later shared that this award gave her strength. It made her feel determined not to give up. Two years later, the Committee to Protect Journalists gave her the CPJ International Press Freedom Award. In May 1998, she received UNESCO's Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. Because she was still held, Nobel Prize in Literature winner Wole Soyinka accepted the award for her.

Life After Challenges

In June 1998, Chris Anyanwu was released. This happened after President Abacha passed away. Many human rights groups worldwide had also protested for her release. She spent two years in Virginia, USA. During this time, she wrote a book called Days of Terror. The book was about Nigeria's struggles during a difficult period.

After her book was released, she returned to Nigeria. She spoke about her experiences. She even publicly forgave one of her former jailers after he apologized. In 2001, a TV version of her magazine, TSM Show, was aired. In 2005, Anyanwu opened her own radio station, Hot 98.3 FM, in Abuja. She was also featured in a PBS TV show called Frontline in 2003.

Journey into Politics

During the Nigerian general election, 2007, Chris Anyanwu was elected to the Senate. She represented the Owerri Zone in Imo State. She ran under the People's Democratic Party (PDP). She explained her career change by saying she wanted to do more than just observe problems. She felt her years of reporting had prepared her to help find solutions.

After becoming a Senator, she joined several important committees. These included committees on Women and Youth, Health, and Defence. In 2009, a report noted her active role. It said she had proposed new laws on worker safety and against discrimination. She also led seven important discussions. The report described her as an active speaker in debates.

Chris Anyanwu was reelected as Senator for Imo East in the April 2011 elections. She ran on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) platform.

Family Life

Chris Anyanwu is married to Casmir Anyanwu. They have a daughter named Ihuoma and a son named Nduwueze. Her children live in the United States. She is a devoted Christian.