Gov Otti, Labour Leaders, Others Honour Late Comrade Sunny Onwuma’s Legacy Of Service, Humility

 

The Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has paid tributes to the late Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and former Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sunny Okebugwu Nwanganga Onwuma,who passed on recently at the age of 62.

 

Governor Otti who was speaking during a special night of tributes held in honour of the late Commissioner at the JAAC Building auditorium, Umuahia, described him as a bridge-builder whose contributions to government were invaluable.

 

“It was a pleasure working with him. 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 Labour issue, I will pick up my phone and I would call him and he will come back with results. So, 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 you when you are no more?”, the Governor queried.

 

 

 

He urged the late Commissioner’s family to remain strong and assured them of government’s unwavering support.

“As a government, we will do everything that is possible to support the family”, Governor Otti assured.

 

Speaking on behalf of the State Executive Council, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, described Onwuma’s contributions as “knowledge-filled” and emphasized his unwavering dedication to the welfare of Abia workers.

 

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Mrs. Clara Dim, described the late Commissioner as “humane and humble,” adding that his legacies remain etched in their hearts.

 

Also, the Organised Labour in the State, through the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Ihechi Eneogwe, praised Onwuma’s dedication as a labour leader who brought experience, passion, and excellence to his role as 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 their separate tributes, his childhood friend Mr. Innocent Nwogwugwu, Eze Justice Uwaga of the Government College Umuahia Old Boys Association, and Sir Nathan Harbour, all described the Late Onwuma as a jovial and kind-hearted man.

His wife, Mrs. Stella Ngozi Onwuma, and daughter, Miss Ezinne Onwuma, in their tributes, described him as a man of integrity, a dependable adviser, a devoted Christian, and a voice for the voiceless.

They expressed deep sorrow at his passing and gratitude to all who have stood by them.

 

 

In a sermon titled “Look And Live“, from John 3:14–15, Venerable Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbanyim of the Anglican Church urged all to seek Christ for salvation, describing Onwuma as a devout Christian who contributed to the growth of the church.

Comrade Sunny Onwuma will be laid to rest on Thursday, 15th May in his hometown of Isiala-Ihie, Ugwunagbo LGA, Abia State.