ABUJA – The nation is in mourning following the passing of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, former Minister of Science and Technology and the first civilian governor of Abia State. He passed away on Thursday morning after battling an undisclosed illness.
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, expressed deep sadness at the news. In a condolence message, Obi hailed the late Onu as a patriotic and inclusive Nigerian leader who served the nation diligently in various capacities. He highlighted Onu’s notable contributions to Nigeria’s educational advancement, both as a lecturer and an author.
“Dr. Onu epitomized leadership characterized by a commitment to peace, progress, and justice,” Obi’s message read. “He courageously championed equity and good governance, leaving a lasting impact on our nation.”
Obi further emphasized Onu’s efforts to promote local production for national development during his tenure as Minister. He extended his prayers to Onu’s grieving family and the entire nation mourning his loss.
“The passing of Dr. Onu is an immense loss to our nation. May God comfort his family and all of us as we mourn his departure, granting us the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. May he rest in eternal peace,” Obi concluded.
President Bola Tinubu also expressed his deepest condolences to the Onu family over the passing of Chief Ogbonnaya Onu. In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Tinubu acknowledged that Onu epitomized the spirit of Nigeria, adding that the deceased believed in and defended the country’s unity, advocated peace, and promoted fellowship.
“The President mourns the first civilian governor of Abia State; former minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, a principal draughtsman in the founding of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and a valiant partner in the victory of the party in the 2015 elections,” the statement read.
The President also condoles with the friends and associates of Onu, Ebonyi and Abia State Governments, and all Nigerians grieving this gaping loss.
Onu, who reportedly died at a hospital in Abuja, was a lecturer, politician and a presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress party in 2022.
