Ex-Foreign Affairs Minister, Dubem Onyia, passes away at 68

Nigeria has lost a seasoned diplomat and politician, as Chief Dubem Onyia, a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and ex-member of the House of Representatives, has passed away.

He died on Monday at a hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.

Onyia’s political journey began in 1999 when he was elected to the House of Representatives.

However, he resigned from his legislative role to serve in President Olusegun Obasanjo’s cabinet as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2003. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in international negotiations, representing Nigeria in key diplomatic engagements.

Beyond his ministerial role, Onyia also held several strategic positions, including Chairman of the International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, and Chairman of the São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Boundary Commission.

A respected statesman, he was actively involved in corporate boards and government committees, earning numerous national and international honors for his contributions to Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic landscape.