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Tag: Ogbonnaya Onu

  • Buhari’s minister, Ogbonnaya Onu buried, state polytechnic renamed in his honour

    Buhari’s minister, Ogbonnaya Onu buried, state polytechnic renamed in his honour

    The remains of the first Civilian Governor of Abia State, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, have been laid to rest on Friday in his hometown of Uburu, Ebonyi State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, via his Facebook page on Friday, in a statement said Onu’s legacy extends beyond his political achievements.

    Otti revealed that the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, has been renamed Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, to honour the late governor’s legacy and contributions.

    He wrote, “Today, we joined fellow Nigerians to bid farewell to Dr Christopher Ogbonnaya Onu, CON, former Governor of Abia State, at his hometown in Uburu, Ebonyi State. His passing in April left a significant void in our nation. My heartfelt condolences go out to Dr Onu’s family and the people of Ebonyi State.

    “Dr Onu’s legacy extends beyond his political achievements. As the first democratically elected Governor of Abia State, a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his humility and grace were truly inspiring.

    “In 1999, Dr Onu selflessly gave up his presidential ticket for the unity of Nigeria, demonstrating his deep love for the country. He lived by his convictions, always speaking the truth, regardless of the consequences.

    “Despite his brief tenure as Governor of Abia, his contributions as a development-focused leader were significant. He established the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba; the Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu; and the National Ambassador newspaper. The Federal University of Agriculture, now Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU), was also established during his tenure. These institutions, spread across the three senatorial districts of the state, highlight Dr Onu’s strategic vision for education and economic growth.

    “In honour of his contributions, we have renamed the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, to Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.

    “Dr Onu’s story is a testament to the power of dreams and determination. We will continue to honour his memory by advancing his legacy and values with the same passion and integrity he exemplified. May his soul rest in peace.”

  • A eulogy for Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, CON – By Blaise Ezeokeke

    A eulogy for Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, CON – By Blaise Ezeokeke

    By Blaise Ezeokeke

    “During the APC’s primary election in the runup to the 2023 Nigeria’s General election, Dr Ogbonnaya Ọnụ struck me as a very sad, unhappy man, as he helplessly pleaded his case before the APC delegates to give him their vote to emerge as the Party’s flag bearer.

    He knew, I believe, that it was a lost cause.

    He had resigned as the Minister of Science & Technology, a position he held for two tenures, since 2015.

    While standing on that podium, shouting himself hoarse, I saw a man who felt the world he found himself in was caving in.

    That evening, almost all the other contenders had stood down for the then Chief Bola Tinubu, who eventually did not just win the Primaries but also emerged the current President of Nigeria.

    But Dr Ọnụ stood his ground.

    As I watched him, I figured he must be reminiscing about the years he was in the trenches with former President Muhammadu Buhari, long before Buhari became President, under the ANPP party while they lost elections, cycle after cycle.

    In 2013, he was the party’s National Chairman when it merged with Bola Tinubu’s ACN, CPC and a faction of APGA under then Governor Rochas Okorocha, to form the current ruling APC, a masterstroke that saw President Buhari emerge the winner of the 2015 election and has kept the APC party in power till today.

    Dr Ọnụ must have believed that he would be the rightful candidate, having been a longstanding ally to President Buhari and having come from the Igbo region of the Country who by every possible calculation was ripe for presidency at the time.

    But he was thoroughly disappointed.

    He wept at the bleakness before him. He was part of a government that did not live up to their promises to Nigeria and he must have stayed through hoping that he would have the chance as the president to do things aright.

    But right before him, he saw his stellar records being obliterated by his very last assignment, right from his excellent student records from Primary School, Best student in Secondary School, First Class Honours at University of Lagos’s School of Engineering and an excellent PhD in Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

    Emerging the First Executive Governor of Abia State in 1991, before his part of Abia was carved out to form the current Ebonyi State and winning the Presidential ticket of APP party in 1999, before handing the ticket over to Olu Falae when they merged to form AD, although Olusegun Obasanjo’s PDP won the election eventually.

    He must have blamed himself for being a man who did not leave when the ovation was the loudest. And his last opportunity to remedy himself, was right there slipping away from his fingers.

    Ọnụ had a stellar pedigree and history but that night he stood watching in sadness, as the delegates, to whom he cried his hearts out, ended up giving him zero vote.

    He went home and went silent.

    Nothing was heard of him again, except the news of his death today.

    Ọnụ lived a great life, truly.

    But like every man who is talented, I am sure he believed, he still had more to give.

    May his family and all who mourn be comforted in his great legacies, memories and his achievements.

    May he rest in peace. Amen.”

  • What Peter Obi said about passing of Ogbonnaya Onu

    What Peter Obi said about passing of Ogbonnaya Onu

    Mr Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has mourned the passing of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, former Minister of Science and Technology.

    Obi stated this in a condolences message, signed by his media aide, Mr Victor Obienyem, and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Onitsha.

    He described Onu’s death as a “significant loss to the nation”.

    The late Onu served as the first civilian governor of old Abia state, before the creation of Ebonyi.

    He passed away on Thursday morning after battling an undisclosed illness.

    Obi described late Onu as a “patriotic and inclusive Nigerian leader” who served the nation diligently in various capacities.

    He highlighted the deceased’s notable contributions to Nigeria’s educational advancement, both as a lecturer and an author.

    “The late Dr Onu epitomised leadership characterised by a commitment to peace, progress, and justice.

    “He courageously championed equity and good governance, leaving a lasting impact on our nation.

    “The passing of Dr Onu is an immense loss to our nation, may God comfort his family and all of us as we mourn his departure, granting us the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. May he rest in eternal peace,” Obi said.

    He further emphasised late Onu’s efforts to promote local production for national development during his tenure as Minister.

    Obi extended his prayers to the grieving family and the entire nation mourning his loss.

  • 2023: Presidential race hots up as Akpabio, Oshiomhole, Badaru, become APC aspirants

    2023: Presidential race hots up as Akpabio, Oshiomhole, Badaru, become APC aspirants

    Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio; former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole; Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, and Jigawa State Governor, Mohammed Badaru have joined the presidential race to pick the All Progressives Congress APC ticket.

    Oshiomhole, a former chairman of APC joined the race after it was speculated earlier on Monday but confirmed his intention to take president Muhammadu Buhari’s job on Wednesday.

    Akpabio who had kept his intention to his chest for a long time joined the long queue of APC presidential aspirants same day.

    Governor Badaru, during an APC stakeholders meeting held at Government House Dutse on Tuesday evening, was quoted as saying, “I will join the Presidential race since everyone knows I’m highly qualified person to do the job”.

    The Governor was also said to have told the gathering during the meeting that he was pressurized to contest for the presidential seat by his colleagues.

    His media aide, Auwalu Sankara, said his principal sought President Muhammadu Buhari’s blessings before buying the form.

    Badaru’s entry into the race clearly indicate that the APC may jettison zoning and go ahead with a free for all race.

  • Nigeria intensifies efforts towards COVID-19 vaccines production – Onu

    Nigeria intensifies efforts towards COVID-19 vaccines production – Onu

    Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, says Nigeria is intensifying efforts in research towards the production of COVID -19 vaccines.

    Onu dropped the hint when the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Clara Paulido-Escandell, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Monday.

    The minister said that professionals and scientists were being involved in the production process.

    He said that producing COVID-19 vaccines locally would assist in creating jobs and reducing poverty rate in Nigeria as well as benefit other countries.

    The minister expressed Nigerai’s willingness for partnerships with Cuba in local vaccine production.

    Onu stressed that Nigeria would leverage on the existing bilateral relationship between both countries and work together in other areas for mutual benefits.

    He noted that there were claims for the cure of the disease but said that the claims were being investigated at various levels.

    The minister said there was need for Nigerian professionals and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to ensure that the Executive Order No. 5 was fully operational.

    He added that the ministry should be notified when any Nigerian professional suffered unfairness in procurement process.

    “We want all Nigerian professionals to be at the centre of economic activities in the country,” he said.

    Earlier in her remarks, Paulido-Escandel acknowledged that her last visit to the ministry offered her the opportunity of working with some agencies to achieve local vaccine production.

    She listed the agencies to include the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) and Shetsco Development Institute.

    The Cuban ambassador warned against the rising cases of the new COVID-19 variant.

  • BREAKING: FG announces partnership for local production of COVID-19 vaccine

    BREAKING: FG announces partnership for local production of COVID-19 vaccine

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has assured that the Federal Government will partner the Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, on the production of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine.

    The Minister gave the assurance while receiving in audience, the Vice Chancellor of Nile University of Nigeria, Prof. Osman Aras in his office on Monday, in Abuja.

    The minister commended the university for working in collaboration with other research institutions in the country to come up with a COVID-19 vaccine.

    Onu said that his ministry was interested in moving the economy away from commodities to knowledge based in line with the main thrust of President Muhammed Buhari”s administration.

    He said the ministry was working assiduously to bring all research institutions and universities to a round table interaction which shall help build a knowledge economy.

    “We have the human capital to do it, and this is where the university system is of critical importance,” he said.

    Onu was positive that university system would help in developing human capital needed to transform the abundant human resources into products and services.

    He disclosed that three agencies of the ministry led by National Bio-technology development Agency (NABDA), were involved in research towards the production of COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria.

    Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University said he was in the ministry to partner in the area of production of COVID-19 vaccine.

    He also said university was also willing to look into vaccine production for other related diseases which would help alleviate the lingering problems of human health.

  • How Nigeria can use space technology to tackle corruption – Onu

    How Nigeria can use space technology to tackle corruption – Onu

    The Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, says Nigeria can use space technology to tackle corruption and ensure good governance in the country.

    Onu said this at the 2020 National Space Media Dialogue on Space Science and Technology organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in collaboration with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) in Abuja.

    The minister said that the Nigerian Space Policy was established with the aim of addressing socio-economic problems facing the country, to improve the living standard of Nigerians.

    “Corruption is detrimental to the development of our economy, every government should fight corruption to ensure good governance and achieve a stronger economy and strengthen our national security.

    “Science and technology are critical in the fight against corruption, intelligence gathering,administration of justice,which are very important in fighting corruption.

    “Space science and satellite technology play critical role in intelligence gathering and mobile communication.

    “They represent the essential tool in the fight against corruption,” he said.

    Onu also said that space science can help improve several sectors of the economy like communication,agriculture,environment,national security,education and industry.

    He added that efforts were in place to replace the expired earth observation satellite in the orbit to provide data that will enable decision making in government.

    “The agency will continue its human capacity development until we have the facilities to execute and implement our space policy to put Nigeria among top nations in the world in space science and technology,” he said.

    The minister said that policies like the Executive Order 005 and the National Strategy on Competitiveness in Raw Materials,if implemented could help boost the economy and make it competitive globally.

    Dr Francis Chizea,Acting NASRDA Director-General said the event was to present the agency’s scorecard and engage in intellectual discourse on issues of national and global interest.

    Chizea said that the space agency has seven activity centres and eight research laboratories across the country adding that it was committed to achieving its mandates by ensuring good governance,the design and building of indigenous satellites expected to be launched locally.

    “We are confident that we can achieve this,as we have gathered relevant,adequate knowledge coupled with the success recorded with the launch of NigeriaSat-X,solely designed and built to flight standard by our engineers and scientists using facilities of our technical partners in Surrey Satellite Technology Limited,UK.

    “We shall not relent as the agency continues to train and retrain her scientsts and engineers not to just acquire degrees but to focus on acquiring knowledge predicated on solving problems for our socio-economic development.

    “There is need to appraise the technological dynamism and efficiency of space science and technology to promote good governance and curb corruption,given its critical role in modern technology,” he said.

    He added that there was need for African leaders to be more conscious as well as appreciate good governance to deepen democracy leading to elimination of corruption for growth.

    Chizea further said that emering technologies like space-dependent technologies provided ways to revolutionise operations at all levels.

    He said the agency was aligning its activities towards complimenting the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari on good governance and curbing corruption that had maimed the society.

    Mr Leonard Ekeh,Chief Executive Officer,Zinox Technologies, said the 21st century was a data century whereby progress can be made through space technology.

    “Space technology holds the key to ensuring education,electronic election,building entrepreneurship,strong security system,quality audits,among others,” he said.

    Sen. Boroffice Ajayi,the pioneer NASRDA DG urged the leadership of the agency to refocus on its mandate so it can address the socio-economic problems of the country.

    The FCT Minister,Mr Musa Bello,represented by Mr Jato Abdulkareem,said there was need for the country to invest in space science technology for national development.

  • 2023: We are rebuilding APC in South East — Onu

    2023: We are rebuilding APC in South East — Onu

    Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Minister of Science and Technology, has said that leaders of the party in the South-East are doing their best to rebuild the party in the zone.

    He said this after a closed-door meeting of the party’s leaders from the zone which lasted for over two hours and held in Abuja on Monday night.

    According to Onu, the leaders met to review the situation of the party in the South-East.

    “Leaders of APC in the South-East met in the residence of our governor, governor of Imo.

    “We have representation from all the five states of the South-East and all our top leaders, ministers, governors, members of the National Assembly, indeed all the leaders of the South-East.”

    While noting that the party had just one governor out of the 36 state governors, the minister said that effort was underway to ensure that all the five states of the region produced governed of APC.

    “We have one governor now. We are working so that by 2023 we will be able to have five governors who are of APC in the South-East.

    “We are very optimistic. We have the people and whatever problems we have, we will resolve them.

    “We are also preparing for the by-elections, one in Enugu, and there is a Senate seat in Imo. We are working very hard to make sure that we win in these elections.

    “We want to show that the APC is strong in the South-East and that we have the men, the women, to ensure that APC occupies it rightful place in the South-East of Nigeria,” Onu said.

    Also speaking, former President of the Senate, Chief Ken Nnamani, while responding to questions from newsmen on purported cross carpeting of Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi, said that it was work in progress.

    “The issue of the governor of Ebonyi is work in progress. We are not definitive about what is going to happen but we are trying to show that our party is a very large one.
    “We are in the process of rebuilding the party. Our gate is wide open for every person who loves democracy.

    “We are expecting many more people to join. We have very large rooms for those who are willing to join the train of APC.

    “APC train has left the station but we keep stopping at various stations if any person is willing to join.

    “We will pick you up and there is a comfortable seat, this is a new APC coming up,” Nnamani said.

  • Technology Minister seeks implementation of Executive Order 5

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has harped on the need to implement the Presidential Executive Order 5 (EO5).

    Onu made the call on Monday in Lagos, during the Stakeholders’ Roundtable on the use of Nigerian software in the financial and banking sub-sector of the economy.

    The roundtable was jointly organised by the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) and the Computer Warehouse Group (CWG).

    He said that there was the need to implement the EO5, so as to improve local content in software applications in the country.

    The Minister, represented by Prof. Gloria Elemo, the Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), spoke on the theme: “Adoption and Development of Local Content Technology as Growth Driver for the Nigerian Economy”.

    Onu said that the Federal Government was emphasising on local participation in the execution of government contracts, thereby improving local content in national socio-economic development.

    According to him, the Presidential Executive Orders series started in May, 2017 with Numbers E01, E02; E03 and subsequently EO4, EO5 etc.

    “The Executive Orders are with the resolve to reform the administrative and regulatory environment for both private and public sector players.

    “Specifically, Executive Order No. 5 was signed by Mr President on February 2, 2018 with focus on the development of local content in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET).

    “Mr President directed all MDAs of government to engage indigenous professionals in the planning, design and execution of national security projects.

    “This is with the intention to maximising the in-country capacity and capability in all contracts and transactions with SET components, utilising Nigeria human and material resources in the planning and execution of Nigerian projects.

    “The Order directed that all procurement entities of the FGN shall give preference to Nigerian companies in the award of contracts for major projects in SET and where local expertise is not available, Nigerian company shall enter into consortium with relevant foreign firms,” he said.

    Onu said that specifically, NOTAP played an important role in the implementation of the order.

    The minister said that NOTAP had been managing the consortium of firms that must be registered, in compliance with NOTAP Act 2004.

    He said that NOTAP had been developing, maintaining and regularly updating the database of Nigerians with expertise in SET and other fields.

    According to him, the agency consults with the relevant professional associations/bodies in SET and other fields, including Nigerians in Diaspora organisations.

    “Currently, NOTAP is compiling the database of Nigerian experts in SET and other fields through access to register of government approved professional bodies and associations in the country and in diaspora.

    “I implore you all to register with NOTAP through your respective professional bodies so as to be recognised as professionals in your chosen fields, eligible and accredited to participate in the nation building.

    “Remember that we have no other country to be called our own than Nigeria and it is the resultant of our collective efforts that can make our country great and an investment destination by the international investors.

    “I will give my support to achieve the lofty objectives of the Executive Order Number 5 of Mr President in this endeavour.

    “I am confident that it would be beneficial to our country, generate wealth, stimulate inclusive growths in the domestic economy and reduce unemployment level,” he said.

  • Onu presents 41 patent certificates to Nigerian investors, innovators

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, on Monday, presented 41 patent certificates
    to Nigerian inventors and innovators.

    He made the presentation at an event in Abuja, saying that “such favourable legal framework is necessary for the management, protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.”

    According to him, the present administration has realised the importance of intellectual property as vital tool and an economic asset
    needed to invigorate the Nigerian economy to make it competitive.

    Onu added that “this can be achieved through creativity, inventiveness and innovation.

    “It is of note that National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has established 43 Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTO) in public and private tertiary institutions and research institutes in the country.

    “It has facilitated the grant of 50 patent certificates in 2017 and 54 patent certificates so far in 2018. Out of these, 41 will be presented today.

    Also, NOTAP is hoping to have more patent certificates before the end of the year.”

    The minister maintained that the country could benefit maximally from the Research and Development efforts if converted into products
    or services.

    “ I imploy you all to work closely with NOTAP in this regard to realise the aim of this programme for the benefit of the entire nation,” he added.

    The Director-General of NOTAP, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim, stressed the need for synergy among stakeholders to generate more wealth, stimulate inclusive growth in the economy, as well as reduce unemployment and poverty in the country.