As a national figure the demise of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has continued to elicit reactions and tributes from top personalities across Nigeria and beyond.
Vice President, Kashim Shettima in his tribute to the late former governor and minister noted that Onu :served Nigeria with passion, integrity in his remarkable contributions to national development”.
He expressed his feelings in a condolence letter,which he personally signed and addressed to the family of the deceased politician, saying that “words cannot fully capture the depth of (their) loss given Dr Onu’s towering stature in national affairs as a former governor and minister.
Shettima described Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu as a “statesman who embodied the values of patriotism and service to humanity.”
The VP glowingly paid tribute to Onu, who was the first democratically-elected governor of Abia State, crediting him with making huge contributions in nation-building, especially in the areas of science and technology.
According to him, Onu was a role model, who made his impact felt in Nigeria, both as a scientist and later as a Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Shettima stated that with “his leadership and advocacy for scientific advancement (Onu) made lasting impact on Nigeria’s economic growth and progress” and moulded countless individuals to reach the zenith of their professional calings.
He, therefore, said that the legacies Onu has left behind “will continue to shape the nation’s path for generations to come.”
“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Onu was a man of great character, humility and wisdom,” he said, adding that he “served Nigeria with passion, integrity and remarkable vision”.
While underlining the strength of chatacter of the late political stalwart, the VP noted that Onu inspired the nation with his work ethics, dedication and commitment to improving the lives of many Nigerians.
Onu who hails from Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government, Ebonyi State was trained in Chemical Engineering but later delved into politics in the defunct second republic.
He emerges as the very first person from the old Ohaozara, which includes Onicha and Ivo LGs, to become a state governor when he was elected in 1992 as the pioneer civilian governor of the old Abia State.
The gentleman politician left this worthy plane in April 11, 2024 at age of 72 and would be laid to rest on November 8 at the conclusion of series of activities lined up in his rite of passage.
A national day of tribute is sheduled slated to hold on November 4, 2024 at the Yar’Dua Centre, Abuja.