- Safiu Kehinde
Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia, has died at the age of 73.
The ex-Minister’s demise was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by his family.
According to the statement, Onyia passed away yesterday after a period of illness.
The late Minister, as described by his family, was a man of great integrity with unwavering commitment to national interest.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Hon. Chief Dubem Onyia, a distinguished statesman and former Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
“He passed away on Monday, following a brief spell of illness—surrounded by his family and loved ones.
“Chief Onyia dedicated his life to God and public service, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape at home and overseas.
“His tenure as 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, brother, a trailblazer, respected leader, a mentor to many, and a man of great integrity.
“His contributions extended beyond government service, touching the lives of many through his wisdom, generosity, and dedication to improving lives.
“Chief Onyia is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, many relatives, political allies, and friends. Details of funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.” the statement read.
Reacting, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, described Onyia’s death as a monumental loss to the state and the nation.
Mbah, in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu, also described the deceased as consummate public servant and patriot, who committed his entire working life to his people and the nation in various capacities.
The governor recalled the late Onyia’s active years and achievement in public service.
” 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.
” Chief Onyia was a distinguished leader, fine diplomat, patriot, consummate public servant, and quintessential intellectual, who shone more than a million stars in the service of his community, Enugu State, and Nigeria as a whole.
” He lived a life of total service to Ngwo community, Enugu State, and Nigeria as a whole. His vast experience, knowledge, national and international reach will be missed.
” A former Member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, he was appointed by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to serve as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs between 1999 and 2003,” Mbah said.
The further governor described Onyia as a quintessential leader of men who went on to serve Nigeria in other high-profile capacities, holding the position of Chairman, Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, Chairman, Sao Tome and Principe Joint Boundary Commission.
” He contributed immensely to Nigeria’s constitutional and political development as Member, 1988 and 1998 Constituent Assembly in Abuja, Secretary General of the Eastern Mandate Union, National Secretary of the Peoples Consensus Party.
“Onyia was among the founding member and later national officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others.
” He was indeed a fine gentleman, philanthropist, promoter of peace, justice and equity, and indeed a colossus in all ramifications, whose selfless service, wealth of experience, deep knowledge, and local and international reach will be highly missed,” he added.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Enugu State, I send heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Ngwo, and indeed millions of Nigerians whose lives were directly and indirectly touched by the distinguished service of this great patriot.
”Importantly, I pray God to grant his fine soul eternal repose,” Mbah said.