Chief Dubem Onyia, Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and respected elder statesman, will be laid to rest on Friday, May 2, at his home in Enugu Ngwo.
Onyia, who also served as a member of the House of Representatives, died on March 10, 2025, at the age of 73, after a brief illness in Abuja.
Details of his funeral rites were released by his son, Engr. Emeka Ike Onyia, in a statement issued on behalf of the family.
The burial programme began earlier with a Requiem Mass at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, and a night of tributes at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
The tributes will continue with another night of reflection on Tuesday, April 29, at the Amadeo Event Centre, Ebeano Tunnel Road, Enugu, followed by a Christian wake at the Colliery Comprehensive School Field in Ngwo, his country home.
The funeral mass is scheduled for 10:00am on Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ngwo, with interment 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,” the family stated.
“Chief Dubem Onyia was 73 years old before passing. He served Nigeria and the society in many capacities.”
“He was a devout Christian, a committed Catholic and 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.”
Prof. Richard Okechukwu, chairman of the burial committee, also paid tribute to the late politician and humanitarian.
“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,” Prof. Okechukwu said.
