Mary Knoll College Alumni Association has received the news of the passing of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, first civilian governor of Abia State and former minister of Science and Technology with immense grief.
A statement issued by the President General, AIG (Chief) John Bassey Abang, fdc., Rtd. on behalf of the global body,. said he extends his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late Minister and people of Ebonyi State.”It is with deep sadness that I received the reports of the death of my dear elder brother; the first civilian governor of Abia State and former minister of science, technology and innovation, (2015-2023), His Excellency, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, CON, FNSE, FNSChE, FAEng. Dr Onu, a member of Marco Class Set 67′ was an Alumnus Mary Knoll College is proud of, he was a peaceful man and a consummate leader who served the people of Abia and Nigeria with passion and dedication during his extensive political career”, said Chief Abang.
As civilian governor during the General Ibrahim Badamasi administration and Minister for 12 years under President Muhammadu Buhari, his wealth of experience was a guiding force in the country. Generations to come will remember him for always placing the progress and welfare of the people at the heart of his service,” the President General said.Onu was a Nigerian politician, author and engineer until his death in April 2024. The late Abia State governor was the longest serving minister of the ministry.
A graduate of the University of Lagos, Onu became a teacher at St. Augustine’s Seminary in the Ezzamgbo area of Ebonyi State. After the completion of his doctoral studies at the University of California, he became a lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt, where he rose to become the pioneer head of the department.The ex-minister began his political career as an aspirant for a senatorial seat in the old Imo State under the umbrella of the National Party of Nigeria. In 1991, he contested for the position of Governor of Abia State on the platform of the National Republican Convention and won. Onu was sworn in as the first executive governor of the state in January 1992
In the 2023 general election, the late 72-year-old contested for the presidential ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) but was defeated by the incumbent President Bola Tinubu.Chief Abang extends his heartfelt condolences to family members and friends of the late politician and prays that the almighty God will receive the soul of the departed, and comfort his family.