Enugu governor mourns Onwenu, says singer death is exit of nightingale
Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, has described the death of veteran singer Onyeka Onwenu, as as the exit of a nightingale and a music icon.
Ms Onyeka passed away Tuesday, July 30, in Lagos.
She completed a performance at the birthday party of Stella Okoli when she was suddenly rushed to the Reddington Hospital in Lagos.
The governor in his reaction to the news of the music icon’s death on Wednesday in Enugu said, “Onyeka Onwenu was a music icon, a songstress par excellence, and a nightingale personified. She was born to sing, and she delivered on her earthly mission in memorable and superlative manners, winning many awards in the process.
“The demise of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, and the songstress in quick succession has dug a big hole in the hearts of Ndigbo and Nigerians. This is yet another sad development for the nation in general and Ndigbo in particular. As the late Ghanaian poet and diplomat, Kofi Awoonor, would put it, death has indeed made war upon our house.’’
He further described the late Onwenu as a woman of courage, a social crusader, a patriot, and lover of her people, who never shied away from speaking up in defence and advancement of truth, justice and equity.
“Onyeka will be deeply missed, but it is consoling that she led life to the fullest of her talents, sowing herself indelibly in the heart of humanity. She will, like all legends, be remembered for many generations to come. I pray to God to grant her soul eternal repose and comfort her family, the nation, and, indeed, Africa,” Mr Mbah prayed.
Onyeka Onwenu was born in January 1952 and died on July 30. She was a Nigerian singer/songwriter, actress, human rights and social activist, journalist, politician, and former XFactor series judge.
She was dubbed the “Elegant Stallion” due to her significant impact on African culture and entertainment. She was a former chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.
In 2013, she was appointed the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development. She hailed from Arondizuogu in Ideato North LGA. of Imo State.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Faith
Junaidu’s death huge blow to education sector, says NMC director
Mr Mebine said that the late Junaidu was a seasoned educationist and administrator.
States
Protesters caught with weapons will be treated as criminals: NSCDC
Mr Barunde warned organisers of the protest in the state against allowing mischief-makers to infiltrate them.
Health
Pate says poor emergency services responsible for rising maternal, child mortality rate
Mr Jibril assured of the committee’s preparedness to excel in the given task.
Showbiz
Cinemas generated N4.6 billion in six months: Association
Mr Ajayi said that Nollywood films grossed N2,325,930,952 while Hollywood films generated N2,321,273,174 in the first half of the year
NationWide
INEC promises journalists unrestricted coverage of Edo, Ondo governorship polls
Mr Yakubu urged media organisations yet to register for the election coverage to do so before the deadline.
Politics
UK Prime Minister Starmer makes phone call to Tinubu
The British prime minister reflected on the “important relationship between the UK and Nigeria, grounded in cooperation on trade and security as Commonwealth partners.”
