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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced the renaming of the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, to Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, in honour of the late former governor of the state and ex-Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
The governor made the announcement during a Commendation Service held in honour of the late Onu on Thursday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
Dr. Onu, who passed away in April 2024 at the age of 72, was widely regarded for his profound contributions to the development of Abia State and the nation. Governor Otti praised Onu’s legacy, acknowledging his pivotal role in shaping the state’s educational landscape and laying the groundwork for its long-term development.
“We have decided to immortalize Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu by renaming the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, after him. This institution will now be known as Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba,” Otti announced, adding that the move was a tribute to the late statesman’s immense contributions to the progress of Abia and Nigeria.
Governor Otti recalled that Dr. Onu was instrumental in establishing key institutions in Abia, including the Abia State Polytechnic, Abia State College of Education (Technical), and his support for the establishment of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia (MOUAU). He described Onu as a strategic leader who understood the importance of education in driving sustainable economic growth and development.
“Dr. Onu was a visionary leader who understood the deep connection between education and economic prosperity. His foresight led to the establishment of these key institutions in the three senatorial districts of Abia, a move that demonstrated his commitment to empowering the people of our state,” Governor Otti said.
Otti also highlighted Dr. Onu’s patriotism and sacrifice in 1999 when he stepped down from his presidential ambition for the sake of national unity. The governor lauded his decision, noting that Dr. Onu’s love for Nigeria and its future outweighed personal ambitions.
“He was a true nationalist who put the country’s interest above all else. Dr. Onu was highly qualified to serve as president at the dawn of the Fourth Republic, but he chose to support the unity of Nigeria over personal gain,” Otti said.
The governor added that Dr. Onu’s demise has left an irreplaceable void in the nation’s political and social landscape. “His passing has created a vacuum that will be hard to fill. But we will continue to honour his memory by living lives of service and integrity, just as he did,” Otti stated.
In a homily at the event, the Bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, His Lordship Michael Ukpong, spoke on the importance of living a life of purpose and responsibility. He praised Dr. Onu for his positive impact on the lives of many, and his significant contributions to the state, including the rebuilding of the Abia Tower of Peace, the establishment of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia, and his role as a National Ambassador.
The event also drew dignitaries including the chairman of the National Burial Planning Committee, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, and other political and community leaders, who paid their respects to the late statesman.
Governor Otti concluded by praying for the family of the deceased and the people of Ebonyi State, urging them to draw strength from the life of Dr. Onu and continue to emulate his values of service, integrity, and patriotism.
