Abia State Government (ABSG) held a special night of tributes in honour of the Late Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Comrade Sunny Okebugwu Nwanganga Onwuma, who passed on recently.
Speaking during the Night of Tribute held at JAAC Building auditorium, Umuahia, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti appreciated the interventions and the way Comrade Onwuma approached issues from day one their parts crossed, as well as his rip-cracking jokes.
Governor Otti, who regretted his demise, said he enjoyed working with him and stressed the need for all to be careful how they live their lives, saying that everyone should always ponder what people would say of them when they are no more.
“It was a pleasure working with him (Onwuma). We followed him until he passed on.
“Every time, he had a way of deflecting tension and making light of every situation.
“It is difficult to be reminded that he will no longer be with us in EXCO, he will no longer be the bridge builder.
“You know, any time there is a labour issue, I will pick up my phone and I will call him and he will come back with results. So, it is very difficult to accept that he is no more.
“As we are here giving all the tributes, the question we should ask ourselves, one simple question – what will people say about us when we are no more? What will people say about you when you are no longer here?
Governor Otti further admonished the family to take heart and continue to be strong, assuring them that they are not alone, adding that, “as a government, we will do everything possible to support the family”.
Speaking on behalf of the members of the State Executive Council, the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister. Ikechukwu Uwanna said that Comrade Onwuma ‘s contributions to the Executive Council were knowledge-filled.
They described his commitment to workers’ welfare as unwavering, adding that labour relations under his leadership improved greatly and described him as a true comrade, whose legacy would be remembered.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Mrs. Clara Dim,
said that their pioneer Commissioner, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, was humane and humble and that his legacies remained etched in their hearts. She said that they are saddened to say goodbye to him.
Also speaking, the Organised Labour in the State, through the Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Ihechi Eneogwe, said that the deceased was a distinguished labour leader and a dedicated servant, who brought his wealth of experience to bear as a Commissioner.
He said that, as a champion of workers’ rights, the deceased used his position as the State Chairman of TUC to pursue excellence.
In his sermon titled, “Look And Live” with the Bible reading from the book of John 3:14 & 15, Venerable Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbanyim of the Anglican church said that Jesus has provided victory over sin and enjoined everyone to make up their minds to look unto Jesus for salvation..
He described Comrade Onwuma as a good Christian who contributed to the growth of the church and expressed the hope that he is resting in the bosom of the Lord.
In their tributes, his childhood friend, Mr. Innocent Nwogwugwu, Eze Justice Uwaga of the Old Boys Association of Government College, Umuahia and Sir Nathan Harbour, all affirmed that late Comrade Onwuma was a very good man, jovial and a jolly good fellow.
In their tributes, the wife of Comrade Onwuma, Mrs. Stella Ngozi Onwuma and the daughter, Miss Ezinne Onwuma, said that the deceased was a good man, an adviser,
a gentleman, a man of integrity, an astute unionist and a devoted Christian.
While describing him as a voice of the voiceless, they regretted that they would miss his fatherly love and care and appreciated all for identifying with them.
Late Comrade Sunny Onwuma, a former TUC Chairman in Abia State, who died at the age of 62 would be buried on Thursday, 15th May at his home town in Isiala-Ihie in Ugwunagbo LGA of the State.
The night of tributes was graced by elected and all appointed Government officials, including the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Chidimma Otti.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Government House, Umuahia.
13 -05- 2025.
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