Vice-President Kashim Shettima says former science and technology minister Ogbonnaya Onu’s impact on Nigeria’s political landscape is immeasurable.

In a statement on Friday, Mr Shettima described Mr Onu as a statesman and accomplished Nigerian leader.

The vice-president said, “It is with profound sadness that I write to express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, a true statesman and accomplished Nigerian leader.

“As the first civilian governor of Abia, he laid a strong foundation for good governance and democratic principles. His legacies in Abia state will forever be remembered.”

Mr Shettima added, “As the minister of science and technology, his dedication to nation-building was evident in his focus on fostering scientific advancements and technological innovation in our great nation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Mr Shettima said beyond his political achievements, Mr Onu was a man of integrity, wisdom, and unwavering principles.

He said, “He was a true patriot who dedicated his life to the progress and development of our great nation. His contributions to Nigeria’s development will be forever remembered by the nation. I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time.”

Mr Onu graduated with a first class in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos State in 1976 before obtaining his doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, four years later.

He was a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers, where he became the pioneer head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and, later, acting dean of the engineering faculty.

Mr Onu began his political career when he unsuccessfully sought a senatorial ticket of the now-defunct National Party of Nigeria in the old Imo.

He later contested and was elected the first civilian governor of the then-newly created Abia in 1991 on the platform of the National Republic Convention.

He was sworn in January 1992.

The former governor became the presidential candidate of the All Peoples Party (APP) in 1999 but gave up his position for Olu Falae after the party merged with the Alliance for Democracy.

In 2015, Mr Onu was appointed as minister of science and technology by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.

In 2019, he became the longest-serving minister in the ministry with his reappointment. 

(NAN)