Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the first civilian governor of Abia State and former minister, has died at the age of 72.
The ex-minister, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation breathed his last on Thursday morning at an Abuja hospital.
According to sources close to the family, Onu had been battling illness for some time, and plans were underway to fly him abroad for advanced medical treatment following the Sallah break.
The source disclosed, “He has been sick for some time this year and his family said they would fly him abroad to get better medical treatment for him but he could not make it till then.”
His death comes as a shock to many, as friends and relatives have gathered at his Abuja residence to offer their condolences and support to his grieving family.
Hailing from Ebonyi State, Onu held significant roles in Nigerian politics, notably serving as the first civilian governor of Abia State. He contributed to the fields of science as the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation from November 2015 until his resignation in 2022.