The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed profound sadness over the death of Chief Dubem Onyia, a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, calling it a devastating blow to both the state and the nation. In a statement he personally signed on Tuesday morning, Mbah hailed Onyia as a towering figure—a distinguished leader, dedicated public servant, and patriot who devoted his life to serving his community, Enugu State, and Nigeria.
Mbah highlighted Onyia’s remarkable career, noting his tenure as a federal lawmaker and his appointment by a former president to serve as Foreign Affairs Minister from 1999 to 2003. Onyia’s contributions extended beyond that, with roles such as Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, Chairman of the Sao Tome and Principe Joint Boundary Commission, and Chairman of the International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission. His influence also shaped Nigeria’s political landscape through positions like Member of the 1988/1998 Constituent Assembly, Secretary General of the Eastern Mandate Union, National Secretary of the Peoples Consensus Party, and a founding member and national officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governor praised Onyia’s intellectual prowess, diplomatic finesse, and commitment to peace, justice, and equity, describing him as a philanthropist and a colossus whose vast experience and global connections would leave a void. “His demise is a monumental loss not just to Enugu State, but Nigeria as a whole,” Mbah stated. He extended condolences to Onyia’s family, the Ngwo community, and countless Nigerians touched by his legacy, praying for eternal rest for the late statesman’s soul.
Onyia, aged 73, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2025, after battling illness, as confirmed by his family earlier that day. Social media sentiments echo Mbah’s grief, with users mourning the loss of a giant whose service shaped Nigeria’s political and diplomatic history, while others reflect on his enduring impact on Enugu and beyond. His death marks the end of an era for a leader whose life was a testament to selfless dedication.
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