PRESS RELEASE#
Late Chief Nath Onyeukwu (IKEMBA OWERE)
As preparations intensify for the funeral of late media icon and the Ikemba of Owere, Chief Nath Uzodinma Onyeukwu, eminent Nigerians from various walks of life have continued to besiege the Onyeukwu family home in Owerri, the Imo State capital, with their condolence messages.
In his message, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, who is to lead a high powered delegation to the funeral, described the late elder statesman as “a great Nigerian who loved his country and his fellow country men and women”.According to him, the late Chief Onyeukwu “represented the finest ideals of honor, sincerity of purpose and forthrightness” adding that;“by his death, the nation has lost a very important Nigerian”whose relationship he treasured somuch for the period he associated with him.
In another message, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Oyegun, described the former Special Adviser to Nigeria’s one time Ambassador Extra-ordinary and Plenipotentiary, Dr. K. O. Mbadwe, as a true patriot “who lived an exemplary life and contributed greatly to the development of his immediate community, his State and the nation at large.”
According to him, Chief Onyeukwu as “a foremost journalist and public relations practitioner, left indelible marks at the Nigerian Ports Authority where he served as Chief Public Relations Officer and the Imo State Elders Council where his wise counsel was always sought”.
He conveyed the sympathy of the party’s National Working Committee to the bereaved family and urged them to find solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life.
In another message, a former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, described the late media icon as a “rare breed who distinguished himself in the public sector, having served as a Director to the National campaign of a one – time presidential aspirant in the country”.
His words: “He was multi-tasking as an Administrator, visionary and always proferred ideas which were result oriented”.
Chief Ohakim recalled that as a member of the Imo State Elders Council during his tenure as Governor of Imo State, late Chief Onyeukwu made “valuable input to the development of the State as well as contributed to the peace and tranquility that prevailed in the State during my tenure in office”.
Similarly, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, paid glowing tribute to the late veteran journalist whom he described as “a great icon” and urged members of his family to uphold those “sterling qualities that propelled him to enviable height to the admiration of all”.
In his message, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Imo State, Chief Uche Nwosu, extolled the virtues of the late Ikemba of Owere, whose life he observed “was not only eventful but was marked by concrete achievements”
He prayed the family to bear the pain of his loss with fortitude adding that his transition “is a call to higher service having finished his earthly course”.
It will be recalled that Chief Onyeukwu died on May 29, this year at the age of 85 years. He will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 2, this year in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Eminent personalities from within the country and outside are expected to attend funeral.
