By Uche Amunike
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and other political leaders converged from different walks of life, Tuesday night at the Yar’dua Centre in Abuja, where they paid glowing tributes to the late Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
Speaking, through a statement, released by Secretary of the Ogbonnaya Onu Burial Media Committee, Bernard Akoma, former President Jonathan, lauded the unblemished record of Ogbonnaya Onu in public service, even as he compared him to politicians who looted wealth for their future generation, noting that Ogbonnaya Onu’s legacy included knowledge and wisdom which he kept alive in the many books he has authored.
In a very light mood, Jonathan reflected on the warmth in the numerous photos of Onu that were hung around the hall, saying that he portrayed a man who took life’s challenges with a characteristic smile, while commending his visionary contributions in the Ministry of Science and Technology, with the belief that Technology could be an alternative revenue source for Nigeria, even though he listed the ‘Nigeria Factors’ that stopped him from realising his goals.
On his part, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu described Ogbonnaya Onu as a leader of integrity and patriotism, particularly pointing out the commitment of the late politician towards inspiring the younger generation through his life of simplicity, humility and dedication.
Kalu referred to the events as a ‘Night of Unanswered Questions’, highlighting Onu’s continuous efforts to unify Nigeria. He shared a personal story of generosity, stating how Onu offered financial support for his campaign, even though he did not know him personally.
His words: ‘He wasn’t the richest, but he had a heart filled with patriotism, supporting a new generation of leaders through actions, not just words.’
He further admired the late Onu’s calm and humble style of resolving conflicts, describing him as a man who inspired through character, instead of wealth and authority.
Hear him: ‘Men like Dr. Onu inspire us by the wealth of their character. He was governor of my state 33 years ago, and consistency was always his watchword.’
Minister of Works, Senator, David Umahi, was not left out in the tributes presentation as he described Ogbonnaya Onu as a trailblazer and a ‘leadership light’ in their shared community of Uburu and Ebonyi State. He lauded him for his intellect, passion for excellence and integrity, which also was a good inspiration to people around him. Former Cross River State Governor, Chief Clement Ebri, on his part, reflected on the exceptional qualities of Onu, which got him selected as Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors Forum, during his tenure. He also stated that Onu was the 16th of his generation of 30 governors to die.
The event was attended by an impressive number of dignitaries, including ministers, senators, as well as former and serving governors.
A lot of tributes were centred on his humility, calm approach to issues, integrity, but most especially, his dedication towards the development of the country.
