From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has said that the death of one of her predecessors, Chief Dubem Onyia, was shocking and devastating.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated this in a statement made available to Daily Sun by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze.
Onyia, who served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs between 1999 and 2003, died at 73 on Monday at an Abuja hospital following a brief illness.
He hailed from Enugu Ngwo in Enugu State, the same community where Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu was born.
‘According to the minister, Onyia’s exit was not just a big loss to the nation but also a painful personal experience for her,’ Eze wrote.
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.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said that Onyia advocated 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 a 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 will 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.
A seasoned diplomat and politician, Odumegwu-Ojukwu further said Onyia played a key role in Nigeria’s foreign relations, holding strategic positions such as Chairman of the International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, and Chairman of the São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Boundary Commission.