When the news of veteran singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu’s passing broke Tuesday night, it sent shocking waves.

The cold hands of death had snatched the singer unannounced.

For many, the news about Onwenu’s was unbelievable. How could she die? Some people queried. It is not possible! Others screamed. It all seemed untrue, until when it dawned on everyone that the story was true.

Onyeka died doing what she loved to do most.

Her death re-echoes the words of English poet and playwright, Williams Shakespeare, who described the world as a stage and each person plays his part and leaves.

The Iconic artist was known for her powerful voice and activism.

She died at the age of 72 years.

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.

She was said to have died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of Mrs Okoli.

Onwenu, who hailed from Arondizuogu, a town in Ideato North, Imo State, was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

She is the youngest daughter of Nigerian educationist and politician D. K. Onwenu, who tragically passed away in an auto crash when she was just four years old, a week before he was appointed Minister for Education.

She wore so many caps, played many roles but surprisingly, like a skilled performer, she played all her parts so well, so efficiently, as to earn applause. Onwenu’s impressive career spans several fields, including music, acting, human rights activism, journalism, and politics.

Known for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, she earned the nickname “Elegant Stallion” from the Nigerian press.

She was once the Chairperson of Imo State Council of Arts and Culture and was also, during the President Goodluck Jonathan Administration, appointed the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development.

She 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.

Onwenu had a notable collaboration with King Sunny Ade, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians. Their professional relationship was marked by the release of the hit song “Wait for Me” in 1984, which became a significant success in Nigeria.

“Wait for Me” was more than just a song; it was part of a public health campaign aimed at promoting responsible family planning and safe sex.

Like the biblical reference, to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die…, her loved ones and family are finding comfort in these instructive words of the Holy Book as they mourn her demise. (The Nation)

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