The Abia State PDP 2023 governorship candidate, Chief Okey Ahiwe has expressed sadness over the death of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, first democratically elected governor of Old Abia State.
Reacting to news reports on the sad development, Chief Ahiwe described late Dr. Onu as a consummate intellectual, passionate educationist and model of patriotism whose pan-Nigerian disposition was an extension of his love for the Igbo nation and his commitment to its development.
In his words, “Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu was a model in many respects. From making distinctions in primary and post-primary schools to making a first class in Chemical Engineering at the University of Lagos, he went on to create brilliant records at the University of California at Berkeley where he obtained his Ph.D, and later served as the pioneer Head of Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt, first civilian governor of Old Abia State and first Chairman of Conference of State Governors.”
Chief Ahiwe remarked that Dr. Onu would be remembered for many outstanding accomplishments, among which are: establishing the very first Technology Village in Igbo land, founding of Abia State Polytechnic and Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu, inaugurating the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA) and National Ambassador Newspapers, as well as the zeal with which he pursued the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as Minister of Science and Technology in the Buhari administration.
While praying that God would grant the soul of Dr. Onu eternal rest, Chief Ahiwe conveyed his deep condolences to the Onu Family of Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State and the entire people of Old Abia State
Victor C Nwokocha, ANIPR
Media Adviser to Chief Okey Ahiwe
April 11, 2024
