Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, has tearfully opened up about his harsh childhood, revealing he once wore the same shirt and trousers for over four years due to extreme poverty.
In an emotional interview with our correspondent, the former Rivers State Governor recounted the difficulties he faced growing up on the streets of Port Harcourt, where even basic needs like food and clothing were luxuries.
“I grew up in Port Harcourt. Poverty was everywhere. We could barely feed; eating three times a day was impossible, and changing clothes was out of the question,” he said.
“In fact, when I tell people I wore a shirt and trousers for almost four years, they don’t believe me. But my classmates will confirm it.”
Now a two-term governor, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and two-time federal minister, Amaechi reflected on how those early challenges shaped his journey.
He also shared a lighthearted anecdote about his school days:
“We’re heading for a reunion in Umuahia, and I always tease my former classmates, saying, ‘One of you could have been Mrs. Amaechi if you’d looked beyond my poverty then.’
But we were too poor — no food, no decent clothes — so no one gave us attention.”
Amaechi emphasized that the struggle for relevance and survival molded him into the person he is today.
“One thing people don’t realize is that men fight to be relevant. I am as simple as life can offer, and my journey is a testament to that.”
Amaechi, who served as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for eight years, also emerged second in the APC presidential primaries leading up to the 2023 general elections.
