Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia, don die for di age of 73.
Him family announce di tori for statement wey dem release on Tuesday, say e pass away on Monday, March 10, 2025, after e don sick for some time.
Di statement talk say, “Na with deep sorrow we announce di passing of Hon. Chief Dubem Onyia, wey be correct statesman and former Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
“He die on Monday after e sick small—him family and loved ones dey around am when e take go.
“Chief Onyia dedicate him life to God and public service, and e leave better mark for Nigeria diplomatic waka, both for home and abroad.
“Him time as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs show say e dey committed to national interest, and na wetin people go always remember am for.
“He be loving husband, papa, brother, leader wey many people look up to, and man wey stand for integrity.
“E no stop for government work alone, as e still use him wisdom, generosity, and dedication take better many people life.
“Chief Onyia wife, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, plenty family members, political allies, and friends still dey. Dem go announce burial plan later.”
As di tori break, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, describe Onyia death as big loss to di state and di whole country.
For statement wey e sign on Tuesday, Mbah hail di late politician as beta leader, diplomat, and patriot wey give him life to public service for local, national, and international levels.
Mbah talk say, “Ndi Enugu hear di news of Chief Dubem Gideon Onyia death with deep pain and sorrow.
“Chief Onyia na correct leader, fine diplomat, patriot, and serious public servant wey shine like million stars as e take serve him community, Enugu State, and Nigeria.”
Onyia wey be former House of Representatives member serve as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2003 under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“Dis ogbonge leader still serve Nigeria for different high positions like Chairman, Nigeria Economic Joint Commission; Chairman, Sao Tome and Principe Joint Boundary Commission; and Chairman, International Technical Commission for di National Boundary Commission, among others.
“He help well well for Nigeria constitutional and political development as Member for 1988/1998 Constituent Assembly for Abuja, Secretary General of Eastern Mandate Union, National Secretary for Peoples Consensus Party, plus founding member and later national officer for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others.
“He be fine gentleman, philanthropist, and person wey dey promote peace, justice, and equity. As correct man for all levels, him selfless service, big experience, deep knowledge, and connection for both home and abroad go really miss am,” di governor talk.
Di governor still add, “On behalf of di Government and people of Enugu State, I send my heartfelt condolence to him family, di people of Ngwo, and all di Nigerians wey di good work of dis great patriot touch.
“Most importantly, I pray make God give him soul beta rest.”
Di late Onyia hold plenty key positions, including Chairman for International Technical Commission for di National Boundary Commission, Chairman for di Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, and Chairman for Sao Tome and Principe Joint Boundary Commission.
As better administrator and accountant, Onyia still serve for plenty corporate boards and government committees. E still be trustee for Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation.
Born on February 23, 1952, for Enugu, Onyia attend Ikeja District Primary School for Lagos, Fatima College for Ikire, and College of Immaculate Conception for Enugu.
E later go United Kingdom go further him education for Northampton College of Technology, Nene College (wey be affiliate of Leicester University), and Coventry Polytechnic.
For him career, e work as clerical officer for Post and Telecommunications for Enugu, trainee accountant for Trickers International Ltd for UK, and accountant for Evans Publishers for Ibadan.
E still be trustee for Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation.
