Late Chief Dubem Onyia
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has described the death of former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia, as shocking and devastating.
Onyia, who served in the position from 1999 to 2003, passed away on Monday at the age of 73 in an Abuja hospital after a brief illness. He hailed from Enugu Ngwo in Enugu State, the same community as Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
In a statement signed by Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, the minister expressed deep sorrow over Onyia’s passing, highlighting his significant contributions to Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.
During a condolence visit to Onyia’s family in Abuja, she stated: “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.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu praised Onyia’s role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy, describing him as a statesman who worked tirelessly for peace, cooperation, and Africa’s advancement on the global stage.
“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 would have a prominent place,” she stated.
The minister extended her condolences to the bereaved family, praying for strength in their time of grief.
“So, we deeply commiserate 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,” she added.
Onyia was a seasoned diplomat and politician, holding key roles in Nigeria’s foreign relations, including 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.
