Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, who served as the Minister of Science and Technology in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, has passed away.

Onu, a former governor of Abia State, succumbed to a brief illness at a hospital in Nigeria. He was 72 years old.

During the 2023 general election, the late former minister vied for the presidential ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) but was unsuccessful, losing to President Bola Tinubu.

Onu, a renowned Nigerian politician, author, and engineer, maintained an illustrious career until his passing in April 2024.

As the first civilian governor of Abia State, Onu held various significant roles, including serving as Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation from November 2015 until his resignation in 2022.

His tenure as the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation was marked by significant contributions, making him the longest-serving minister in the ministry’s history.