HON. SIR JONES VICTOR CHUKWUDI ONYERERI, KSP
CHAIRMAN HOUSE COMMITTEE ON BANKING AND CURRENCY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Brilliant, articulate and well-grounded in the science and art of governance is an apt description of Hon. Sir Jones Chukwudi Victor Onyereri, KSP., Member, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Nkwerre/Nwangele/Isu/Njaba Federal Constituency of Imo State and the Chairman House Committee on Banking and Currency.
Born on 15th July, 1967 to the family of late Venerable and Nneoha J.D.J Onyereri of Imo State, he epitomizes passion and focus for his chosen career and this he exhibited from a very young age and in his professional life as a Microbiologist/Biochemist/Business Administrator/Public Relations Consultant. His pedigree, up to the last generation is a note to be reckoned with; a son to a renowned and highly respected Arch Deacon of the Anglican church, Venerable J.D.J. Onyereri, who was popularly known and is remembered today with his famous maxim, “ udo diri unu”(May Peace dwell with you). A true son of his father, Hon Jones, obviously understands the import of that maxim; he immortalizes his father by not just adopting the maxim as his political slogan but pragmatically exuding peace and love among his people. Today Hon. Jones Onyereri himself is known with that maxim.
Young Jones attended the prestigious and renowned College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu and Federal Government College, Port Harcourt for his secondary/Higher School Education. Having achieved success at these levels, he proceeded to University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he obtained Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Microbiology/Biochemistry and later a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing. His determination to acquire more knowledge prompted his return to University of Nigeria Enugu campus where he obtained an Executive Master of Science Degree (MSc.) in Marketing/Public Relations. Hon. Sir Jones Chukwudi Victor Onyereri is also a proud holder of ASCON certificate in Public Administration and has attended various executive leadership programmes at prestigious institutions including Harvard Business School, USA. These exposures must have triggered the wonderful leadership qualities we are experiencing in our constituency today.
The distinctive traits that make him a sterling politician started at an early age. At a very young age, Hon. Onyereri was appointed the Chief Protocol Officer to His Excellency, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Executive Governor of Enugu state. He later served as a Consultant, House Committee on Transport, House of Representatives, Abuja.
The need to provide the dividends of democracy and empower his people led Hon. Onyereri to contest the 2011 election to the House of Representatives. In recognition of his leadership qualities, unparalleled humility and the zeal to improve the lives of his people, the good people of Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele Federal Constituency of Imo State elected him to the House of Representatives.
His appointment as the Chairman of the very important House Committee on Banking and Currency, despite the fact that he was a first timer, was a huge testament to Hon. Onyereri’s political acumen and dexterity. As he served in this all important powerful Committee, his dauntless courage, brilliance and eloquence swiftly made it possible for him to be one of the arrowheads of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) banking reforms. As the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Onyereri did everything possible to overhaul the Nigeria cum Africa banking/financial sector by sponsoring different bills, motions and also through public hearings conducted by the Banking and Currency Committee under his leadership. Some of the Bills sponsored by Hon. Jones Onyereri include the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria Act Amendment Bill 2013, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation Act Amendment Bill 2014 and Nigerian Export Import Bank Establishment Act Amendment Bill 2012.
Under his chairmanship, the House committee, in conjunction with the relevant authorities, made tremendous efforts to drive the process of financial inclusion and worked together with the monetary authority/monetary policy committee of the central bank to bring down the monetary policy rate and invariably the interest rate.
Hon. Onyereri also served in other House Committees where he contributed immensely and creditably in the legislative process.
In recognition of his stellar representation in the 7th National Assembly, the people of Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele Federal Constituency re-elected Hon. Jones Onyereri to a second term in the House of Representative thus making him the first person since the inception of our current democratic journey to be elected for a second term in the House of Representatives.
In addition to this historic feat, Hon Jones Onyereri equally achieved another historic feat in the House of Representative by being the first member to be appointed as chairman of the strategic and grade A committee, the House Committee on Banking and Currency for two consecutive terms.
His contributions to the political cum parliamentary development, the society, improvement of the well-being of the masses and selfless services to humanity were recognized and appreciated by corporate organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Students Movement within and outside Africa as he was conferred with numerous awards, laurels and prizes including but not limited to:
- Ambassador of goodwill to the State of Arkansas by then Governor Bill Clinton.
- Outstanding Merit Award (Rotary International Club of Enugu)
- Flag Bearer of Cancer Advocacy in Nigeria by the International Cancer Initiative.
- Nehemiah Award by the Diocese of Orlu, Anglican Communion
- Joshua of Our Time by the Holy Trinity Church, Diocese of Orlu, Anglican Communion, Amaigbo, Imo State.
- Most Outstanding Lawmaker for South East by the Africa Business Week in association with Nigeria-German Business Association and Disciples of Democracy Magazine.
- Fellow Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria.
- Merit Award by the Orlu Zonal Council of Ndi Eze
- Nigerian Union of Journalist Legacy Award for Quality Representation.
- Merit Award by Amaokpara Patriotic Union Lagos Branch.
- Personality Award by the Imo State PDP Women Activists.
- Award of Excellence by Nkwerre Student Association
- Award of Appreciation by university of Uyo.
- Award of Recognition by Orlu Progressive Association.
- Most Outstanding Lawmaker (2014) by Disciples of Democracy.
- Most Distinguished Service Award by International Inner Wheel District 913.
- Award of Honour by Law Students Association Imo State University.
- Ezinwa Award by Diocese of Orlu.
Hon. Jones Victor Chukwudi Onyereri have not derailed in his quest to improve the lives of the down trodden, be a symbol of justice and the mouthpiece of the less privileged as he has sponsored and co-sponsored people oriented motions and petitions for the upliftment and empowerment of his people.
Hon. Onyereri has equally initiated, attracted and executed various constituency projects in order to bring dividends of democracy to his people. Some of these projects include road construction, provision of solar powered street lights, provision of transformers, water bore-holes, construction of classroom blocks with VIP toilets, construction of ICT centers, empowerment of constituents through the award of scholarships, distribution of Keke – Napep, motorcycles, Sewing Machines and cars, and sponsorship of youths and women to various training programmes.
Hon. Onyereri is a devout Christian who is a Knight of the Order of Saint Paul (KSP). He is indeed a public relations guru turned politician, experienced consultant, political gladiator, veteran welfarist, distinguished African, business mogul and man of history with unbeatable profile of achievements and selfless services to Humanity.
Hon. Jones Victor Chukwudi Onyereri is married to Barr. (Mrs.) Adaeze Claire Onyereri and blessed with five Children.
