Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, accountant, politician and administrator, Chief Dubem Onyia, died recently at the age of 73. His death on March 10, 2025, after a period of illness, marked the end of his profound political career anchored on principles and personal conviction. In his death, Nigeria has lost a distinguished accountant, politician and statesman. As a devout Christian and patriot, Onyia dedicated his life to God and public service, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape.
Onyia’s tenure as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs was marked by his unwavering commitment to national interest, which remains his legacy. He was a devoted husband, father and a trailblazer. He was also a respected leader, a mentor, and a man of great integrity. Beyond his numerous contributions to Foreign Service and nation-building, the late minister touched many lives with his philanthropy and generosity.
Onyia was born on February 23, 1952, in Ngwo, Enugu State. He attended Ikeja District Primary School, Lagos, 1958-64; Fatima College, Ikire, 1964-66; and the College of Immaculate Conception, Enugu, 1966-71. He later proceeded to the Northampton College of Technology, UK,1974-76; Nene College, Affiliate of Leicester University, North Hampton, UK, 1976-80; and Coventry Polytechnic, Coventry, UK, 1981-82.
Chief Dubem Onyia worked as a clerical officer, Post and Telecommunications, Enugu, 1972-74; trainee accountant, Trickers International Ltd, Northampton, UK,1980-81; accountant, Evans Publishers, Jericho Road, Ibadan,1982-83; senior accountant, Anambra State Supply and Distribution Agency, Anambra State,1983-84; Head, Accounts Division, Federal Ministry of Trade and Tourism, Enugu,1984-92. He was also the chairman of Ngwo community Bank Ltd, 1990-92; Executive Director Danggonite Ent. Ltd, Enugu, 1994-99. He was a founding member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 1998; Assistant National Secretary, National Working Committee, PDP, 1998; Chairman, Enugu State Governor Elect’s Inauguration Committee, 1999; PDP National Committee on Strategy and Intelligence, 1999; State Coordinator, Obasanjo for Presidency Campaign Organisation, Enugu State, 1999.
In 1999, Dubem Onyia was elected to the House of Representatives but resigned to serve as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007. Onyia served in various leadership positions in Nigeria. He was the chairperson of the International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, and the Sao Tome and Principe Joint Boundary Commission.
He also served on numerous corporate boards and government committees, earning multiple national and international awards. Onyia was a trustee of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, which has the reputation of contributing to national development initiatives.
Onyia’s demise has elicited tributes from prominent Nigerians and institutions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he served as pioneer Minister of State, described his death as a great loss to the nation. The ministry described the former minister as a trailblazer who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s global standing, advocating peace, cooperation, and the advancement of Africa’s interests on the international stage. “His unwavering commitment to national development and his exemplary service to the nation will forever be remembered and cherished”, the ministry further stated.
President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the late Onyia as a brilliant administrator, accountant and respected political leader. While extolling Chief Onyia’s rich record of service and commitment to nation-building, Tinubu described the deceased as a statesman and patriot, highlighting his contributions to Nigeria’s political development.
In his tribute, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, described Onyia’s death as a monumental loss to the state and the nation. In a statement, Mbah lauded the late politician as a distinguished leader, diplomat, and patriot who dedicated his life to public service at local, national, and international levels. Mbah stated: “Ndi Enugu received with a deep sense of grief and loss, the passing of statesman and former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Gideon Onyia, aged 73.
No doubt, Onyia was a great leader and astute manager of men and resources. Apart from his profound career as an accountant of great repute, Onyia distinguished himself in the political front as well. His administrative prowess was highly demonstrated with his leadership roles in the PDP. He also manifested his leadership qualities when he was appointed the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. He was also an exemplary community leader.
He played a great role as a member of the 1988/1998 Constituent Assembly in Abuja, Secretary General of the Eastern Mandate Union, National Secretary of the Peoples Consensus Party and others. He was a great leader and mentor. On account of his numerous contributions to the socio-economic development of the country as well as nation-building, we urge the Federal Government to immortalise him. We commiserate with his family and political associates over the irreparable loss.