In another development, Chief Dubem Onyia, a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has died in an Abuja hospital after a brief illness.
Onyia, who was elected to the House of Representatives in 1999 before being appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (1999-2003), played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s international relations. He chaired several key diplomatic and economic commissions, including the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission and the São Tomé and PrÃncipe Joint Boundary Commission.
Beyond politics, Onyia served on multiple corporate boards and was a trustee of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, where he contributed to national development initiatives.
His death is seen as a major loss to Nigeria’s diplomatic and political community, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and political leaders.
