From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Chief Dubem Onyia, a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, was laid to rest on Friday in his hometown of Ngwo, Enugu State.
The funeral mass, held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, brought together a host of dignitaries and loved ones who gathered to pay tribute to a man whose life touched many across Nigeria.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State was among the first to speak, remembering Onyia as “a legendary figure, a moral giant, and a man whose shoulders served as a ladder of success for so many.”
“We’re here today to say goodbye to a man whose light shone so brightly on everyone he encountered. Chief Dubem Onyia was truly one of a kind. His absence leaves a void that will be hard to fill.
“But let’s take comfort in the legacy he left behind. He inspired so many of us. We will keep his family in our prayers, and I hope everyone remembers that it’s God who gives and takes life,” Mbah said.
The funeral mass was led by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Reverend Callistus Onaga. During his homily, Very Rev. Fr. Franklin Eze took the opportunity to remind everyone about the fleeting nature of life and the importance of leaving behind a lasting impact.
“Life is brief, and it’s our actions that define us. Chief Onyia left a legacy that will never be forgotten – politically, religiously, and socially. What separates heroes like him from villains is their selflessness. Chief Onyia was a man who dedicated his life to the service of others,” Fr. Ezeh said.
Former presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, was one of the notable guests who paid his respects. In a brief statement, Obi praised Onyia for his diplomacy and commitment to Nigeria’s peace and progress.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu also attended the service, as well as Senator Osita Ngwu, the Senate Minority Whip, and Senator Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State.
Senator Ben Obi, who chaired the National Burial Committee, said that Onyia was not just a politician but a true statesman.
Chief Onyia was born in 1954 and had a distinguished career in public service, serving as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2003.