Entertainment
Onyeka Onwenu Dies At 72, After Collapsing In The Birthday Party Of Owner Of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Family Speaks
“It is with heavy hearts that I and my brother wish to announce the passing of our mother, the much-loved Onyeka Onwenu. She passed away last night, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Lagos Nigeria.”
- Mrs. Onyeka Onwenu collapsed after a performance in an 80th birthday party of Mrs. Stella Okoli in Lagos State, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals and died in Remington Hospital.
The iconic singer was born on January 31, 1952, in Obosi, Anambra State.
She was a Nigerian broadcast journalist, singer-songwriter, actress, politician, human rights and social activist, and former X Factor series judge.
Onwenu began her broadcast career in 1980 as a corper with the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, in Lagos. In 1984, she wrote and presented the internationally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary, ‘Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches.’ She also worked as a TV presenter, hosting the shows Contact (1988) and Who’s On? (1993) both on NTA Network.
She bagged a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College, Massachusetts, and an MA in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research, New York.
Mrs. Onwenu was awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) for her contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Also, she received the award of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
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Meanwhile, her sons, Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende, have released an official statement following her demise.
They said: “It is with heavy hearts that I and my brother wish to announce the passing of our mother, the much-loved Onyeka Onwenu. She passed away last night, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Lagos Nigeria.
“She was rushed to the hospital after an amazing last performance, where doctors made every effort to save her life… sadly she passed.
“Onyeka Onwenu was a national treasure, an icon, and a legend, who inspired multiple generations of Nigerians and people around the world with her music, acting, philanthropy, and humanitarian efforts.She is greatly loved and missed.
“We would like to extend our thanks to those who were with her in her final moments. And to the general public for their concern and support.
“Specifically, we are deeply grateful to Mr. Peter Obi, Mr. and Mrs. John Momoh, and Mr. and Mrs. Okonkwo as well as Messrs Ajayi and Mr. Okpara all of whom were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined to condole us soon after her passage.
“We are also appreciative of Reddington Hospital and all their staff for their efforts. As we take the time to make the necessary plans, we would like you all to take the time to remember her life, the contributions she made, and the impact she made on so many lives, including ours.”
The quantity and quality of encomiums and tributes expressing grief over Onwenu’s death has been overwhelming.
Her last moment was her sterling performance at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okoli, Pharmacist and the owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.