Crème de la crème of Nigerians on Monday, November 4th 2024 trooped to the iconic YaÁdua Centre, Abuja to pay tribute to the pioneer civilian governor of Abia State and former minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
The event which attracted people from all works of life had in attendance, former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, two former Secretaries to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen Anyim Pius Anyim and Mr. Boss Mustapha, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdulahi Ganduje, Minister of Works, Chief David, Umahi, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji among other dignitaries.
Paying tribute to Dr, Onu, the guests took turn to eulogise the former minister whom many described as a “Patriotic, selfless, and honest leader” whose integrity is outstanding among his peers.
In his remarks, President Goodluck Jonathan said that “Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu is worth celebrating” because all the encomiums poured on him were genuine and not “manufactured” to fulfil the culture of not speaking ill of the dead. Dr. Jonathan said that if Nigeria had more people like Dr. Onu the country would have made more progress.
Speaking about Dr. Onu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who recounted the humbling support he got from Dr. Onu when he was contesting for his current position said that it was a “Night of questions.” According to Kalu, Dr. Onu’s life should elicit questions of how committed we are about development of our society and country. Kalu said that Dr. Onu was a trusted leader, not because of his riches, but because of his strong principles of “honesty, integrity, and unwavering patriotism.” The Deputy Speaker said that Dr. Onu in his life time was one politician that genuinely encouraged the younger generation to take over leadership positions.
Speaking on behalf of former governor-colleagues of Dr. Onu, former governor of Cross River State, Dr. Clement Ebri recalled that Dr. Onu was a “fine gentleman” who meant well for the society. Ebri said that Dr. Onu “was an organised man, his life was dedicated to service to God and humanity. He had capacity to conceptualise complex ideas.” Speaking further, Ebri noted that Dr. Onu was a man without bitterness in any form. Dr. Ebri eulogized the brilliance, clarity of mind and commitment of to the wellbeing of others.