Governor Peter Mbah, on Friday, joined prominent Nigerians in paying final respects to the late elder statesman and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia, describing him as a moral compass and an enduring pillar in both public service and private life.
Speaking during a solemn funeral mass held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ngwo, and presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Reverend Callistus Onaga, Governor Mbah hailed Chief Onyia as a towering figure whose legacy would endure beyond his lifetime.
“We are gathered here today to pay our last respects to a legendary figure, a moral giant, and a man whose shoulders was a ladder of success for many.
“Sir Dubem Onyia, as I noted, was quite exemplary; a man whose light shone on all those that encountered him. There is no doubt that the void that his exit has created will be very difficult to fill.”
“But I will urge us to find solace in the impactful life that he had lived. His life was inspiring, and he inspired a lot of us.”
“So, we would hold the family very tight in our prayers. I will also implore everyone to remember that it is God who gives, and it is also him that takes,” the governor said.
Governor Mbah further encouraged the bereaved family and well-wishers to find comfort in the Christian hope of eternal life, reminding them that Chief Onyia’s journey does not end with death.
“I do not think I will say more than anything that was said in the scripture , that we are not hopeless. So, may his soul continue to rest in peace,” he added.
Delivering the homily, Very Rev. Fr. Franklin Eze emphasized the Christian funeral as a solemn reminder of life’s transience, urging all present to live with purpose and legacy in mind.
He described Chief Onyia as a man who carved a lasting legacy across politics, religion, and society, stressing that the distinction between true heroes and villains lies in their motivation, selflessness for the former, selfishness for the latter.
The funeral mass drew a host of dignitaries from across the country.
Among them were the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, and his wife, Patricia; former governors Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia) and Senator Sam Egwu (Ebonyi); Senate Minority Whip representing Enugu West, Senator Osita Ngwu; and Chairman of the National Burial Committee for Chief Onyia, Senator Ben Obi, among others.
