Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dubem Onyia, is dead.
His family announced in a statement on Tuesday that he passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, after a period of illness, at the age of 73.
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.”
