I received with deep shock the death of an erudite Engineer, the pioneer governor of Abia State and a frontline progressive political philosopher, Dr . Ogbonna Onu whose sad end occurred on the 11th of April 2024 following a brief illness in a hospital, in Abuja. Dr Onu’s demise came when his wealth of experience was most needed in shaping the nation’s socio-economic structures. In his days as the pioneer governor of Abia State, he served with all sense of commitment to give the State basic infrastructures of which the pace he set while in office remains a mark of honour till the end of age.

The southeastern region and the entire Nigerians have lost a rare gem whose contributions to national development cannot be over-emphasized. A humble, contented and friendly personality who understood the challenges of national leadership with all readiness to inject and implement ideas capable of surmounting them. When you talk about humility, Dr. Onu was one personality who hardly raised their shoulders among his peers and political class and this exceptional quality stood him tall above the lines of respected politicians in Nigeria.

His audacity and intelligent quotients to a large degree were recognized as one of the prominent forces that birthed APC and saw to her victory in the 2015 general elections. As a force to reckon with politically, Dr. Onu’s charisma always inspired people and his voice was never neglected or lost relevance throughout his days of participation in politics and community relations.  Recounting on three separate occasions I met him privately, his kind words, guidance and encouragement as a growing politician truly benefited my life and to date, I am proud of him.

Our Creator cannot be queried and He has the best for  Dr. Onu in His bosom. In these low moments, I commiserate with the  Ebonyi State government, the entire Ebonyi people, the Southeast region, Nigerians and mostly the immediate bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss. As a father, he raised a good family to continue his legacies; as a leader, he left indelible footprints on the sand of time; as an asset of honour, his values shall continue to yield dividends.

On behalf of my family and the entire management staff of ECK Foundation Worldwide,  I wish him a journey of mercy as he transits back to his Maker. Rest In Peace Dr Onu!

Chief Dr. Emeka Kalu
President , ECK Foundation.