Veteran Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwor has expressed her sorrow following the news of Onyeka Onwenu’s passing.
Onyeka Onwenu, a music icon, reportedly collapsed after a performance in Lagos and was pronounced dead at Reddington Hospital.
Patience Ozokwor, speaking, described Onyeka Onwenu’s death as painful and hurtful, noting their close friendship.
“Onyeka is not just a colleague but a friend. I am downcast now and hurting because of her death and the fact that she was not sick. How can everyone be dying like that, what is causing so much death? Everyone is stressed up in this country.”
Patience Ozokwor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also sent out his condolences to Onyeka Onwenu‘s family, following her demise.
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity)
He noted that Ms. Onwenu was a singer, songwriter, actor, journalist, activist, and politician.
It said President Tinubu mourned the passing of “the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition, ‘One Love’, in the 1990s evoked a fervor of fellowship and harmony.”
The President recalled the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting the public good, noting her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on ‘Wait for Me’, a melodic campaign on family planning in the 1980s.
President Tinubu celebrated the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many.
He sympathized with the entertainment industry, the Imo State Government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this immeasurable loss.
He added that her legacy will “live on in her immortal masterpieces”.
Family Confirms How Singer Died
Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende, the sons of Onyeka Onwenu, the late singer, have spoken about their mother’s passing.
Onwenu collapsed at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okoli, founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company, in Lagos.
In a statement on Wednesday, Onwenu’s sons revealed that the doctors “made every effort to save her life”.
They described their mother as a “national treasure, an icon and legend” whose impact will be deeply felt.
Abraham and Tijani also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the public and dignitaries.
“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,” the statement reads.
“She was rushed to the hospital after an amazing last performance, where doctors made every effort to save her life… Sadly she passed. 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.”
Onyeka Onwenu’s sons
They also expressed their gratitude to 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 statement added.
Moreover, Mr. Peter Obi described the actress’s passing as a tremendous loss for the entire nation, saying she would be deeply missed.
“My condolences to her family, the entertainment industry, and the nation at large. May we find solace in the memories we shared with her and the impact she had on our lives,” he added.
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