Former minister of education Oby Ezekwesili has joined the nation in mourning singer, songwriter, broadcaster and actress Onyeka Onwenu.
Onyeka died aged 72 on Tuesday night after slumping at the 80th birthday party of the founder and CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals Stella Okoli in Lagos.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ezekwesili described Onyeka as a distinguished Nigerian who brought joy and laughter to many through her versatile artistic endeavours.
She said, “Shocking and extremely tragic news of the passing of our dear #OnyekaOnwenu – The Elegant Stallion – as we came to know her. 😭😭.
“Our sister, Onyeka was as cerebral as she was gifted in the Arts and quite a captivating journalist in the 80s when she returned home and did her National Youth Service with NTA #NTANewsNow . Her newscasting skills were unmatched.
“Her epic #BBCWorld documentary titled “A Squandering of Riches” will remain one of the greatest narration of the same issues that continue to ail Governance in Nigeria today.
“How about her giant strides as a songwriter, a musician, a performer, actor, producer! Distinction!!”
“Her mom, Dame Hope Onwenu was an inspiration to their Generation of mothers. I recall how devastated my now-late mom was when Aunty Hope Onwenu died in 2011.”
Ezekwesili recalled the musician’s tribute to her mother Hope Onwenu in the song ‘Ochie Dike Mama’ which has become a song for serenading mothers since 2010.
“We truly have lost a distinguished Nigerian in the death of Onyeka Onwenu,” she said.
Onyeka left behind two sons Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende.
