Former Nigerian Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, died on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the age of 72. His death was confirmed by political leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and drew tributes from across Nigeria.
Onu reportedly died after an illness at a hospital in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. However, the specific cause of his death was not officially established in the initial reports.
The late politician was a respected engineer, academic and statesman who played significant roles in Nigeria’s political development. He served as the first civilian governor of Abia State and later became Minister of Science and Technology under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Who Was Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu?
Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu was born on December 1, 1951, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of present-day Ebonyi State, Nigeria. He was known for his academic achievements, engineering background and long career in public service.
He studied chemical engineering at the University of Lagos, graduating with first-class honours in 1976. He subsequently earned a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1980.
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Before entering active politics, Onu worked as a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State. His academic career included serving as the pioneer head of the university’s Department of Chemical Engineering.
His transition from academia to politics eventually led him to become one of the prominent political figures from southeastern Nigeria.
Ogbonnaya Onu’s Political Career
Onu entered Nigerian politics and contested elections before emerging as the first elected civilian governor of Abia State in 1992. His administration ended following the military takeover that disrupted Nigeria’s democratic government in 1993.
He later became involved in national politics and emerged as a leading figure in the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). In 1999, he was the presidential candidate of the All People’s Party (APP), but stepped aside following the alliance that produced Olu Falae as the joint presidential candidate of the APP and Alliance for Democracy.
In 2010, Onu became national chairman of the ANPP. He subsequently played a significant role in the negotiations that led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 through the merger of major opposition political parties and factions.
The APC went on to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2015 presidential election, bringing Muhammadu Buhari to power.
His Appointment as Minister of Science and Technology
In November 2015, former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Onu as Minister of Science and Technology.
He served in the ministry until May 2022, when he resigned to pursue his presidential ambition ahead of the 2023 general election. His tenure spanned much of the Buhari administration and included efforts to promote scientific research, technological development and innovation in Nigeria.
In 2022, Onu contested for the APC presidential ticket but lost to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who eventually won the 2023 presidential election.
Tributes Following His Death
Following the announcement of Onu’s death on April 11, 2024, President Tinubu expressed condolences to his family, describing him as an accomplished scholar, first-class engineer and important figure in the formation of the APC.
Political leaders from Ebonyi and Abia states also mourned his passing, recognising his contributions to public service and Nigerian politics.
His death was a loss to his family, political associates, the engineering community and Nigerians who followed his long career in public life.
Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu was survived by his children and other family members. His burial was subsequently held on November 8, 2024, in his hometown of Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.
Conclusion
Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu will be remembered for his achievements in engineering and academia, his role as the first civilian governor of Abia State, his leadership in the ANPP and his service as Minister of Science and Technology.
His journey from the classroom to state government and national politics reflected a career spanning education, public administration and party leadership.
May his soul rest in peace.
Recommended external source: President Tinubu’s official tribute to Ogbonnaya Onu.