By Damilola Adeleke

Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and ex-House of Representatives member, Chief Dubem Onyia, has died. He passed away on Monday at an Abuja hospital after a brief illness.

Onyia, who was elected to the House of Representatives in 1999, later resigned to serve as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2003. A seasoned diplomat, he played a significant role in Nigeria’s foreign relations, holding key positions such as Chairman of the International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, and the São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Boundary Commission.

Beyond politics, Onyia contributed to national development through corporate boards and government committees, earning both national and international honors. He was also a trustee of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation.