Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the 9th Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia. Onyia, a prominent diplomat and politician, died on Monday, March 10, 2025, at a hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. He served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2003, and was earlier elected to the House of Representatives in the same year. In a statement issued in Abuja , Kalu described Onyia as a seasoned diplomat, astute politician, and patriotic Nigerian whose contributions to the country’s foreign policy and national development were significant and enduring. “The news of Chief Dubem Onyia’s passing is heartbreaking. He was a highly respected statesman who played a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s international engagements and promoting national unity. “His contributions as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and in various strategic capacities will not be forgotten. He was committed to public service and was a shining example of selfless leadership,” Kalu stated. The lawmaker extended his heartfelt condolences to the Onyia family, the government and people of Enugu State, as well as Nigeria’s diplomatic community. He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul. A distinguished statesman, Onyia also served as Chairman of several key international commissions, including the National Boundary Commission and the São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Boundary Commission. He was a trustee of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation and a recipient of numerous national and international honours for his service.