Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Mourns Ex- Foreign Affairs Minister, Onyia, Says His Demise Devastating
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has said that the death of one of her predecessors, Chief Dubem Onyia, was shocking and devastating.
Onyia, who was Minister of State for Foreign Affairs between 1999-2003 died at 73 on Monday, at an Abuja hospital following a brief illness.
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He hailed from Enugu Ngwo in Enugu State, the community of birth of Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
According to the minister, Onyia’s exit was not just a big loss to the nation but also a painful personal experience to her.
During a condolence visit to the bereaved family at their Abuja residence, she extolled the ex-minister pointing out his immense contributions to Nigeria’s global standing.
Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said that Onyia advocated for peace, cooperation, and the advancement of Africa’s interests on the international stage.
She noted that his remarkable commitment to national development and exemplary service to the nation will forever be remembered.
“He was my big brother and uncle as we both hailed from Enugu Ngwo. And in a seeming coincidence, I am now occupying the same position he held 22 years ago.
“Chief Dubem was a respected family man, community leader, top politician, statesman and authentic Nigerian patriot. He played key role in the birth of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and served the nation meritoriously in different capacities. His footprints are still there for all to see in the diplomatic sphere. I am sure that when the history of Nigeria’s foreign relations is written, Hon. Chief Dubem would have a prominent place.
“So, we deeply condole with the bereaved family, we ask God to give them the fortitude to bear this great loss. We also pray God to grant his soul peaceful rest,” the minister said.