FAREWELL TO DR CHRISTOPHER OGBONNAYA ONU, FIRST EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ABIA STATE AND FORMER MINISTER OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION (FMSTI)

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FAREWELL TO DR CHRISTOPHER OGBONNAYA ONU, FIRST EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ABIA STATE AND FORMER MINISTER OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION (FMSTI

 

Death of every human person diminishes humanity, is a well-known saying which underscores the intricate relationship among network of fellows on the face of the earth. It infers that every human person has a place in nature and each compliments the other to spice up creation.

Dr Christopher Ogbonnaya Onu, was a great leader, an erudite academic, a seasoned politician, a great husband and father, and a consummate reputable champion of extraordinary decency in resource optimisation.

He was a first class graduate of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos. He proceeded to do his doctorate degree in the United States of America, without first doing master’s degree, where he shone like a million stars in the academic firmament. There in the USA, he led Nigerian students as an exceptional leader and showed glimpse of his leadership disposition.

A prince of Ohaozara, in Ebonyi State, would not remain in the USA forever, but chose to return home to contribute his quota to build the Nigerian nation. On his return, he became a lecturer at University of Port Harcourt, where he rose to become Head of Department of Chemical Engineering. Dr Onu, an alumnus of College of Immaculate Conception, CIC, Enugu, continued to show distinctive academic excellence, having graduated from CIC with distinction.

In 1991, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu was elected the first Executive Governor of the newly created Abia State, and he rose to become the Chairman of governor’s Forum, even at an age of 40 years, being the youngest governor at that time. He demonstrated prudent resource management and showed exceptional prudence in public resources utilization. A visionary leader he was, noiseless and a team player.

His trajectory of service led to his being Chairman of All Nigerians Peoples Party (ANPP), a party that eventually merged with others to form All Progressives Congress (APC) Party, which eventually wrestled power from the incumbent PDP as the national ruling party.

Dr Onu served as Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in the eight years tenure of President Muhammad Buhari, and later ran for the ticket of APC for presidential election. He was reputed to have lamented ” where is Justice?” This was an exclamation to reecho the call for equity and for inclusive political balancing of power rotation, a gentleman’s agreement reached during merger of the composite political parties that produced APC. He was a knight of St. John International (KSJI).

Dr Onu was a beloved in-law who showed extraordinary love for the people of Okwudor. His dear wife, Her Excellency Dr Mrs Chinyere Grace Theodora Onu, is the daughter of Late Rt. Hon. Dominic Orji Okwara, of Ndieziukwu dynasty, Umuakaje, Umuseke, Okwudor, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, a former member of Eastern Parliamentary Assembly.

Humanity has lost a rare gem, Njaba Local Government Area and IMO State have lost a great brother in-law, and the nation has lost a detribalized leader who maintained integrity and altruistic sense of prudence and low greed factor all through his political life. He was a man who represented the true spirit of leadership which could transform Nigeria and leadership dynamics into value drive instead of kleptomaniac conceit.

Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, you were distinguished and remained a true leader and the death that has taken you away at this time has caused huge harm to humanity and no doubt diminished us.
However, we have no grounds to query God, your maker, who called you home, but delight in the memories of your good works.

Adieu silent achiever,
Laa nke oma Your Excellency!
RIP in-law Ndi Okwudor and titled man of Okwudor Ancient kingdom!
Goodnight Great leader extraordinary…

Until we meet to part no more…

© Amb. Anthony Akalugo
Aririerimba 1 of Okwudor
Acdore Media, 2024

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Ikechukwu Anyanwu
PROFILE OF IKECHUKWU ANYANWU Ikechukwu Anyanwu is an Imo State born Nigerian. An Author, Public Speaker, Humanitarian, Blogger, Media Guru and Start-up Coach. He has inspired millions through Arise Africa Network Platform He Is Into Education, Media, Entertainment, Showbiz and Hospitality Industry. Having calved a nitche for himself as a leadership expert, human capital development and management consultant. He is currently the Chairman, Online Media practitioners Association of Nigeria, Imo State Chapter. Ceo Arise Africa Magazine, Founder Arise Africa Network – a non-profit organization. Face of Arise Africa, Managing Consultant GCFN Consult. Member, Imo State Bloggers Association. Ag National President, Association of Pageant CEO’s of Nigeria Human Resource Specialist and Leadership Coach with astute impact on many seeking to maximize their skills, intellectuals and innate potentials He has a track record of reproducing leaders and helping them to gain dominance within their nitch. Mr Anyanwu after a rich career that spanned for 18 years having worked as Human Resources Manger, Outlet Manager Rennys Foods Limited from 2004 – 2019, Management Consultant for various Quick Service Restaurants in Abuja, Enugu, Rivers State, Abia, Ebonyi, Kogi and Imo State is now focusing on helping young people to discover, develop their talents. He has built lots of platforms for young people of Africa to express their talents. He is passionate about writing, consulting, coaching and training. He blogs regularly via www.ariseafrika.com and has a thriving social media followership. He is a graduate of Sociology/Anthropology, Imo State University whose passion is to impart knowledge by educating, equipping and empowering young minds for the future. He is an alumni of Living Word Training Center He is also the West African Representative of All African Media Networks He is married to Mrs Carol Anyanwu and blessed with 3 sons.

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