Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia, has died at the age of 73.
His family announced in a statement on Tuesday that he passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, after a period of illness.
The statement read, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Hon. Chief Dubem Onyia, a distinguished statesman and former Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
He passed away on Monday, following a brief spell of illness—surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Chief Onyia dedicated his life to God and public service, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape at home and overseas.
His tenure as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs was marked by his unwavering commitment to national interest, which remains his legacy.
He was a devoted husband, father, brother, a trailblazer, respected leader, a mentor to many, and a man of great integrity.
His contributions extended beyond government service, touching the lives of many through his wisdom, generosity, and dedication to improving lives.
Chief Onyia is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, many relatives, political allies, and friends. Details of funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.”
Reacting to the news, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, described Onyia’s death as a monumental loss to the state and the nation.
In a Tuesday statement he personally signed, Mbah praised the late politician as a distinguished leader, diplomat, and patriot who dedicated his life to public service at local, national, and international levels.
Mbah stated, “Ndi Enugu received with a deep sense of grief and loss, the passing of statesman and former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Gideon Onyia, aged 73.
Chief Onyia was a distinguished leader, fine diplomat, patriot, consummate public servant, and quintessential intellectual, who shone more than a million stars in the service of his community, Enugu State, and Nigeria as a whole.”
Onyia, a former House of Representatives member, served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2003 under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
This quintessential leader of men later went on to serve Nigeria in other high-profile capacities, holding the position of Chairman, Nigeria Economic Joint Commission; Chairman, Sao Tome and Principe Joint Boundary Commission; and Chairman, International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, among others.
He contributed immensely to Nigeria’s constitutional and political development as Member, 1988/1998 Constituent Assembly in Abuja, Secretary General of the Eastern Mandate Union, National Secretary of the Peoples Consensus Party as well as founding member and later as national officer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), among others.
He was indeed a fine gentleman, philanthropist, promoter of peace, justice and equity, and indeed a colossus in all ramifications, whose selfless service, wealth of experience, deep knowledge, and local and international reach will be highly missed,” the governor said.
The governor added, “On behalf of the Government and good people of Enugu State, I send heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Ngwo, and indeed millions of Nigerians whose lives were directly and indirectly touched by the distinguished service of this great patriot.
Importantly, I pray to God to grant his fine soul eternal repose.”
The late Onyia held several key positions, including chairman of the international technical commission for the National Boundary Commission, chairman of the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, and chairman of the Sao Tome and Principe Joint Boundary Commission.
A seasoned administrator and accountant, Onyia chaired numerous corporate boards and served on various government committees.
He was also a trustee of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation.
Born on February 23, 1952, in Enugu, Onyia attended Ikeja District Primary School, Lagos; Fatima College, Ikire; and the College of Immaculate Conception, Enugu.
He furthered his education in the United Kingdom at the Northampton College of Technology, Nene College (an affiliate of Leicester University), and Coventry Polytechnic.
His career included roles as a clerical officer at Post and Telecommunications in Enugu, trainee accountant at Trickers International Ltd in the UK, and accountant at Evans Publishers in Ibadan.
He was also a trustee of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation.
