Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Ogbonnaya Onu, who was the minister of science and technology in the Muhammadu Buhari administration, died in an Abuja hospital.
Mr Ọnụ died in the early hours of Thursday (today).
He hailed from Ụbụrụ in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
His family while confirming his death in a statement by one Uzoma Onu said Ọnụ died earlier today at the age of 73 years.
The statement reads: ” In total submission to the will of the Almighty God, the family of His Royal Highness, Late Eze David Aba Onu, Eze Adu of Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State announces the death of our distinguished son, His Excellency, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu who died earlier today, the 11th day of April, 2024, at the age of 73 years.
The stammer noted that the Late Onu, was the former Governor of old Abia State and was the first Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Governors (Nigeria Governors Forum).
“He was the former National Chairman/National Leader of defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Also, he initiated and facilitated discussions that finally resulted in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), that has been the ruling Political Party in the country since May 29, 2015.”
“Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, was the former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, a position he held for seven years having been re-appointed in the second tenure of President Muhammadu Buahri.”
“He resigned as Minister and contested for the presidential primaries of the APC.”
The statement noted that the late Ọnụ as an illustrious son of the nation travelled to all states of the Federation and almost every local government and held many traditional titles.
Mr Uzoma Ọnụ described the former Minister as a distinguished and patriotic Nigerian who served the nation effectively and efficiently in all the numerous positions he held.
“A fine statesman, party leader, political strategist, brilliant scholar, outstanding intellectual, public speaker, teacher, lecturer, inventor, researcher, consultant, engineer, youth mobilizer, accomplished administrator, prolific author and poet, a man of great ideas as well as a distinguished man of exceptional principle, integrity, discipline and exemplary character.
“Our hearts are filled with sorrow. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him for a long time to come,” he said.
Mr Uzoma Ọnụ said burial arrangements will be communicated by the family in due time.
