Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia, describing it as a monumental loss to the nation.
the late former federal lawmaker as a distinguished leader, consummate public servant, and patriot, who committed his entire working life to his people and the nation in various capacities.
Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia, passed away at the age of 73. His family announced in a statement on Tuesday that he died on Monday, March 10, 2025, after a brief illness.
In a statement he personally signed Tuesday morning, the governor observed that Chief Onyia had lived a life of total service to Ngwo community, Enugu State, and Nigeria as a whole, saying his vast experience, knowledge, national and international reach would be missed.
“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.
“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.
“This quintessential leader of men later 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; and Chairman, International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, among others.
“He contributed immensely to Nigeria’s constitutional and political development as Member, 1988/1998 Constituent Assembly in Abuja, Secretary General of the Eastern Mandate Union, National Secretary of the Peoples Consensus Party as well as founding member and later as national officer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), among others.
 “His demise is, therefore, a monumental loss to not just Enugu State, but Nigeria as a whole.
Onyia, a respected statesman. Beyond politics, he was a mentor and leader, impacting many lives through his wisdom and generosity. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and numerous relatives and friends.
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