Chief Dubem Onyia, Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, is set to be laid to rest on Friday, May 2, at his home in Enugu Ngwo.
The Chief Onyia passed away on March 10, 2025, at the age of 73 in Abuja, following a brief illness.
Details of the burial arrangements were shared by his son, Engr. Emeka Ike Onyia, on behalf of the family. The farewell for the late elder statesman commenced with a Requiem Mass held in his honour at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, followed by a night of tributes at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, both situated in Abuja.
Another night of tributes is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, at the Amadeo Event Centre on Ebeano Tunnel Road, culminating in a Christian wake at the Colliery Comprehensive School Field in Ngwo.
The funeral mass will take place at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ngwo, with interment to follow immediately after.
“It is with sadness but gratitude to Almighty God for a life well-lived, that we communicate the death of Chief Gideon Dubem Onyia, which sad event took place on Monday, March 10, 2025.
“Chief Dubem Onyia was 73 years old before passing. He served Nigeria and society in many capacities. He was a devout Christian, a committed Catholic, and a member of the revered Knight of Saint John International who served God with unwavering dedication. His love for God was demonstrated in his love for people. He was a leader par excellence both in his community, Enugu Ngwo, his state Enugu, and the country at large,” the statement read.
Expressing his sorrow, the chairman of the burial committee, Prof Richard Okechukwu, remarked that Chief Onyia would be profoundly missed by his community, highlighting his compassion and love for humanity.
“We are still mourning his demise. Chief Dubem Onyia was not only a pillar and bedrock in Ngwo; he stood as an architect of love, discipline, and great ideas that helped pull many out of the pit of poverty. He was a leading light to our people, and we thank God for blessing us with such a wonderful gift,” he added.
