The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has described as shocking and devastating, the death of a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dubem Onyia.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
The statement was issued by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Mr Magnus Eze.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu extolled the former minister’s contribution to Nigeria’s development
According to her, Onyia’s exit is not just a big loss to Nigeria, but also a painful personal experience for her.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “Onyia advocated peace, cooperation and advancement of Africa’s interests on the international stage.
“His remarkable commitment to national development and exemplary service to the nation will forever be remembered.
“He was my big brother and uncle as we both hail from Enugu Ngwo. In a seeming coincidence, I am now occupying the same position he held 22 years ago.
“I deeply condole with the bereaved family, I ask God to give them the fortitude to bear this great loss.”
She also prayed God to grant Onyia’s soul eternal rest.
The minister also described Onyia as a respected family man, community leader, top politician, statesman and authentic Nigerian patriot, who played key roles in the birth of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
She added that Onyia served Nigeria meritoriously in different capacities.
“I am sure that when the history of Nigeria’s foreign relations is written, Onyia will have a prominent place,” she added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onyia was Minister of State for Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2003.
He died on March 10 in an Abuja hospital at the age of 73.
He was a seasoned diplomat and politician who played key roles in Nigeria’s foreign relations and held strategic positions, such as Chairman of the International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission.
He was also Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission and Chairman of the São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Boundary Commission.
