Tag: Dubem Onyia

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Dubem Onyia, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who died on Monday at the age of 73.

In a condolence message, contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, President Tinubu described Chief Onyia as a distinguished statesman, brilliant administrator, and respected political leader whose contributions to Nigeria’s diplomatic and political landscape remain significant.

A native of Enugu State, Chief Onyia held several key positions during his career. 

Beyond his role as minister, he served as chairman of the International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, and the São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Boundary Commission. 

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His work in these capacities helped shape Nigeria’s foreign policy and regional cooperation efforts.

The President commiserated with Chief Onyia’s family, friends, and political associates, as well as the people and government of Enugu State, particularly the Ngwo community, on the loss of their illustrious son.

While mourning his passing, President Tinubu praised Chief Onyia’s dedication to nation-building and his service to Nigeria, praying that God grants his soul eternal rest and provides comfort to his loved ones.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, 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.

Mbah also described 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.

In a statement he personally signed on 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.

“Ndi Enugu received with a deep sense of grief and loss, the passing of statesman and former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Gideon Onyia, aged 73.

“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.

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“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 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others.

“He was indeed a fine gentleman, philanthropist, promoter of peace, justice and equity, and indeed a colossus in all ramifications, whose selfless service, wealth of experience, deep knowledge, and local and international reach will be highly missed,” Mbah stated.

Continuing, he said, “His demise is, therefore, a monumental loss to not just Enugu State, but Nigeria as a whole.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Enugu State, I send heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Ngwo, and indeed millions of Nigerians whose lives were directly and indirectly touched by the distinguished service of this great patriot.

“Importantly, I pray God to grant his fine soul eternal repose.”

Recall that Chief Onyia’s family had earlier in the day announced that the late politician passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2025 “after a period of illness.”

Former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has described the passing of Rt. Hon. Dubem Onyia as a monumental loss to Nigeria and the nation’s political landscape.

In a statement released by his media office on Tuesday, Olawepo-Hashim expressed deep sorrow, saying, “Our friend and elder brother is gone.” 

He hailed the late Minister of State for Foreign Affairs as an “excellent gentleman, a consummate organizer, a former federal legislator, and an outstanding democrat.”

Reflecting on their shared history, Olawepo-Hashim recalled working closely with Onyia during the formative years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

He noted that alongside Onyia, they assisted Professor Jerry Gana, who served as the protem National Secretary of the PDP initiative between June 1998 and August 1998, working as unpaid directors.

“The three were Dubem Onyia (Organisation); Dahiru Awesu Kuta,(Administration) and my humble self (Publicity).

“We also functioned as Secretaries of our various standing committees.”

Dr. Hashim explained further that “we were also representatives of the various blocs. While I came from the Progressive bloc, Dubem came from PF (Yaradua group ). I was the youngest of the three.

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“We spent many hours with Dubem as fondly called at Chuba Okadigbo’s place in Apapa strategizing and editing the final version of the PDP manifesto which must quickly go to Press as well aa the maiden press ad of the PDP-

“Now the People’s Party is born “.Dr Chuba Okadigbo former Political Adviser to President Shagari and later Senate President was chairman, Publicity Committee of the PDP formative initiative where I also functioned as Secretary.”

He explained that “Dubem was Chuba’s close pal and they were the leading lights of the PF in the South East Region.

“When Dubem was Minister of state for Foreign Affairs with His Excellency Sule Lamido as Minister of Foreign Affairs, I had the privilege and honour of been nominated as Envoy to the Funeral of President Afez Asad of Syria representing President of Nigeria in the year 2000.

“I spent some time in the Foreign affairs Ministry with Dubem and Alhaji Sule as well as when I occasionally came to consult both Ministers on happenings in the party.”

“We shall miss Dubem gentlemanly but principled touch to issues. 

“A committed democrat and patriot has gone. I pray that his family and the entire people of Enugu state would have the fortitude to bear the loss .Nigeria has lost a rare gem a detrabilized Nigerian who spoke Igbo and Yoruba fluently.

“His politics was for National Integration!”, Dr. Hashim concluded.