Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has described the late Ogbonnaya Onu as a man whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the state and Nigeria at large.
According to him, Onu was a pursuer and adherent of the democratic ideals of equity and social justice.
Nwifuru stated this during the burial of the former Minister of Science and Technology at his country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Nwifuru emphasized that Onu’s legacy is not only a personal one but a legacy shared by all who have benefited from his work.
Onu, a former governor, former minister, and APC party chieftain, was honored at his burial by notable men and women from the South East, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Minister for Works David Umahi, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, former Anambra Governor Peter Obinna, and a host of other dignitaries.
Additionally, Governor Nwifuru donated One Hundred Million Naira (100,000,000.00) to support the church project started by the late Minister, which was not completed before his death.
“We gather here today to honor the life and legacy of a true son of our land, His Excellency Dr. Ogbonnaya Christopher Onu. It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to someone who gave so much in service to others and whose influence will be felt for generations to come. His Excellency, Dr. Ogbonnaya Christopher Onu, was many things to us—a former governor, a former minister, and a chieftain of our party. But above all, he was a leader of integrity, driven by his passion for progress and a deep love for our people.
“Through every role he held, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice, development, and unity. He pursued equity and social justice until his last breath. His Excellency, Dr. Onu, dedicated himself wholly, not just to building infrastructure while serving as Governor of Abia State—where some parts of Ebonyi politically and sociologically grew—but to building people, uniting communities, and elevating the voices of those often unheard. During his time as governor of Old Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Ogbonnaya Christopher Onu led with vision and tireless energy. Under his guidance, our roads were modernized, schools were built, and our healthcare system saw advancements that impacted thousands of lives.
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“I am confident that, years after he left office, successive administrations have built upon his legacies because the policies and programs of his government were people-centric, making it impossible for other administrations to abandon them. His vision wasn’t limited to his tenure; he dreamed of a future where this state would be a beacon of excellence and prosperity.
“Today, as we reflect on his achievements, we see that his dream is still alive and growing. As Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Onu took that same spirit to the national level, advocating for our region and pushing forward policies that uplifted communities across the country. He was instrumental in fostering relationships that brought development and innovation to our people. He wore the mantle of leadership with dignity, tirelessly advocating for our rights, and standing as a pillar of support for those in need.
“Within our party, the All Progressives Congress, he was a chieftain who guided us with wisdom and grace. His values, his words, and his humility reminded us all of the principles that unite us. Even in challenging times, his loyalty never wavered or faltered—his dedication to the people was steadfast.
“He built bridges, inspired generations, and left an enduring example of what true leadership should be. It is sad to say that His Excellency Dr. Ogbonnaya Christopher Onu did not live to see and enjoy his desire and quest for equity and social justice in the context of the Igbo presidency. Only God knows why.
“According to Abraham Lincoln, ‘In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.’ Therefore, as we lay him to rest today, we are reminded that his legacy does not end here. It lives on in the institutions he built, in the lives he touched, and in the leaders he mentored. He has handed us a torch, and it is now our duty to carry it forward, to honor his memory by continuing the work he started, and to ensure that the values he held dear remain at the heart of our mission.
“To his family, we extend our deepest condolences. We are grateful for your sacrifice and your support throughout his life. In Romans 8:38-39, the Bible says, ‘For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ Please know that during this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know the grief you must be feeling, but I encourage you to find solace in the knowledge that your beloved father and husband served his country and his people with distinction and left behind a legacy of duty and sacrifice.”
Nwifuru also thanked President Ahmed Tinubu for his support in giving Onu a befitting burial.
In his part, Umahi thanked the South East Governors and Governor Francis Nwifuru for the transformation of Dr. Onu’s house. He urged the South Easterners to support the President, irrespective of political affiliation.
He then donated Nine Hundred and Ninety-Nine Million Naira (999,000,000) to support the church.
