Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
As a mark of honour and to immortalise the first civilian Governor of Abia State, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Abia State Governor, Gov. Alex Otti has renamed the Abia State Polytechnic to Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
Governor Otti announced this at the Inter-denominational church service organised by the Abia State Government in honour of the late former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Christopher Ogbonnaya Onu, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
The Governor recounted the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of Dr. Onu to Abia State and the nation at large noting that he was a patriot and scholar.
He described Dr. Onu as a man of vision and pathfinder, whose legacies are still felt till today.
“Dr. Onu did not only lay a foundation for the dynamic and structured development of all parts of the State, he set up major administrative and service delivery structure that are still functioning up till today.”
“Dr. Onu’s administrative genuineness inspired the setting up of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, the Abia State College of Education Technical, Arochukwu, the National Ambassador Newspapers and Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State.”
“It is also important to recall that it was under Governor Onu that the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, now Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, was established,” Otti noted.
Governor Otti, who said that the better way to reflect on Onu’s contributions is to preserve his legacies of public service and called on all to embrace the ideals of patriotism, consistency and commitment the Late Dr. Onu was known for.
“The task before us as his children and associates is to preserve his legacies of public service by rededicating ourselves to the important assignment of working for the good of the present and future generation.
“The time has come for us to collectively embrace these ideals (consistency, commitment etc) and live them out just like our patriot and our father did.
“His was clearly a life of impact, excellence and commitment to servicing humanity,” Gov. Otti stated.
He extended his condolences to his immediate family, the State and the entire nation and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, His Lordship Michael Ukpong, stressed the need for all to live responsibly in the society and know that death is a reminder to all of what the end of life looks like.
He noted that the former Governor affected lives positively, left indelible marks in Abia with which he would be remembered.
He listed such contributions as attracting the present Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike; building of the Abia Tower of Peace; establishment of BCA; and National Ambassador among others.
The church service attracted the presence of notable personalities including the chairman, national burial planning committee, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, and other members among others.
