Governor Alex Otti, other Abians Thursday in Umuahia, paid tribute to late Dr Ogbonnaya Onu.
The governor also renamed the Abia State Polytechnic Aba after him.
Speaking during a solemn Commendation Service held in honour of the late statesman and the first Executive Governor of Abia State, Otti in his speech titled, “Ogbonnaya Onu: A Legacy That Cannot Be Eclipsed By The Misery Of Death”, lauded the late leader for his contributions to Abia State and Nigeria as a whole adding that his demise has created a social and political void that will be very difficult to fill.
According to him, Onu made significant contributions to Abia State’s development, especially in the education sector with the founding of the Abia State Polytechnic, the Abia State College of Education (Technical), and supporting the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, now Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU).
“The simultaneous establishment of these institutions in the three senatorial districts of the State speaks to Dr Onu’s distinction as a strategic leader who understands the connection between institutions of learning and the development of the critical manpower necessary for holistic and widespread economic growth.
Governor Otti who on behalf of the people of Abia extended his condolences to the Onu family and the people of Ebonyi State, called on the people to emulate his life of service and integrity and live with a sense of purpose, adding, “We as a state have decided to immortalize him by renaming the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba after him. The Polytechnic will henceforth be known as Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba”.
Aged 72, Dr. Onu, who passed away in April 2024 had served the country as the Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation and had during his tenure as the first executive Governor of Abia State set up major administrative and service-delivery structures that are functional till date including the National Ambassador Newspaper.
In his homily, the Bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, His Lordship Michael Ukpong stressed the need for all to live responsibly in society and know that death is a reminder to all of what the end of life looks like, noting that the former Governor affected lives positively and left indelible marks in Abia with which he would be remembered for.
The church service attracted the presence of notable personalities including the chairman, National Burial Planning Committee, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim among others.
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