Chief Dubem Onyia, Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, will be laid to rest on Friday, May 2, at his Enugu Ngwo home. 

The former House of Representatives member passed away on March 10, 2025, at the age of 73 in Abuja, following a brief illness.

According to the information contained in the burial arrangement signed by his son, Engr. Emeka Ike Onyia, on behalf of the family, the final journey of the late elder statesman had already begun with a Requiem Mass in his honour at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, and night of tributes at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, both in Abuja. 

This would be followed by another night of tributes at the Amadeo Event Centre, Ebeano Tunnel Road, on Tuesday, April 29, and Christian wake at his country home’s Colliery Comprehensive School Field, Ngwo. 

The funeral mass will commence at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ngwo, while interment follows immediately after the mass. 

“It is with sadness but gratitude to Almighty God for a life well-lived, that we communicate the death of Chief Gideon Dubem Onyia, which sad event took place on Monday, March 10, 2025. 

“Chief Dubem Onyia was 73 years old before passing. He served Nigeria and the society in many capacities. He was a devout Christian, a committed Catholic and member of the revered Knight of Saint John International who served God with unwavering dedication. His love for God was demonstrated in his love for people. He was a leader par excellence both in his community, Enugu Ngwo, his state Enugu, and the country at large,” the statement read. 

Mourning the departure of the late sage, the chairman of the burial committee, Prof Richard Okechukwu, said Chief Onyia would be greatly missed by his people, adding that he was a man full of compassion and love for humanity. 

“We are still mourning his demise. Chief Dubem Onyia was not only a pillar and bedrock in Ngwo, he stood as an architect of love, discipline, and great ideas that helped pull many out of the pit of poverty. He was a leading light to our people, and we thank God for blessing us with such a wonderful gift,” he added.