NDIGBO HAVE LOST ONE OF OUR FINEST LEGENDS IN HISTORY, Says Ekwunife

By Tony Ezike

Senator Uche Ekwunife CON has described the twilight departure of Nigeria’s Iconic Musician, Actress and singer of the hit track DANCING IN THE SUN, Onyeka Onwenu during a birthday party in Lagos State as heartrending, considering her enduring footprints in Nigeria’s entertainment and political landscape.

The Doyen of Nigerian entertainment industry was reported to have slumped after performing at the birthday party of Mrs. Stella Okoli on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

Senator Ekwunife noted that Onyeka Onwenu was a shinning example of a woman of substance, and an admirable model for the girl child, considering her pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s entertainment industry from a perspective that provides hope and multiple opportunities for prospective young artists, especially the upcoming female artists.

“Four separate incidents in succession have claimed the lives of three illustrious sons and an adorable daughter of Igboland. From Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Ferdinand Agu, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to the legendary Onyeka Onwenu, God please have mercy. Biko Ozoemezina…

“I call on everyone to pray, not just prayers but we must be very direct and coordinated in pleading for God’s mercy on Ndigbo and Nigeria in general. Onyeka Onwenu literally used her music to showcase the rich cultural heritage and lifestyle of Ndigbo to the world.

“Apart from being a role-model to the young ones, this veteran entertainer accomplished so much at 72 years. Onwenu’s contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry, especially her prominent role in Half of a Yellow Sun and Lions Heart, among others was legendary and cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

“With hit tracks like Nwannem Ebezina Na Chukwu No Nso, Iyogogo, Ochie Dike, Ezigbo Dim, Ekwe, and many others, Onyeka was able to establish a unique musical genre, characterized by the adorable combination of instrumentation and angelic voice that tends to envelope the atmosphere for every single track loaded.

“May Almighty God grant her eternal rest in His kingdom and console her family, her teeming fans, Ndigbo, the Nigerian entertainment industry, and Nigerian citizens at large for this irreparable loss”, she said.

For the records, Onyeka Onwenu’s foray into politics earned her an appointment as the Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former governor Ikedi Ohakim, after contesting and losing on two occasions to become the Local Council Chairman of her Local Government, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State; a job which prepared her for subsequent public assignments, even at the national level.

On September 16, 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed her the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development. She was also honoured with a national award as Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) for her contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry.

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