Onyeka Onwenu is a Nigerian Singer, broadcaster, Song writer, politician and Human rights activist. She was also a former chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.
Onyeka Onwenu unfortunately passed out on the 30th of July, 2024 after she slumped at a birthday party.
OldNaijaHistory brings to you Onyeka Onwenu biography, early life, education, career, children, cause of death and other achievements of the epitome.
Early Life and Education
Onyeka Onwenu, a dynamic Nigerian talent was born on January 31, 1952. Known as the “Elegant Stallion,” she made significant contributions across various fields.
Onwenu hailed from Arondizuogu, a small town in Ideato North, Imo State, southeastern Nigeria. However, she was raised in Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State. Her father, D. K. Onwenu, was an educationist and politician who tragically died in an auto crash when she was just four years old. His untimely death occurred a week before he was to be appointed as Minister for Education. Left to raise five children alone after her husband’s family denied her access to his property, Onyeka’s mother, Hope, played a crucial role in her upbringing.
Education
Onwenu pursued her education in the United States. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Later, she obtained a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research in New York. Her academic journey equipped her with the knowledge and skills that would shape her impactful career.
Career and Achievements
Onyeka had a robust career that spanned across music, broadcasting and social activism.
1. Broadcasting: As an employee of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Onwenu made her mark as a newsreader and reporter. In 1984, she co-wrote and presented the acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary titled “Nigeria: A Squandering of Riches.” This documentary shed light on corruption in Nigeria and the Niger Delta agitation for resource control and environmental issues in the oil-rich region.
2. Music: Initially a secular artist, Onwenu transitioned to gospel music in the ’90s. Many of her songs were self-penned, addressing topics such as health (including HIV/AIDS), peace, women’s rights, and children’s welfare. Her debut album, “For the Love of You,” released in 1981, featured an orchestral cover of Johnny Nash’s “Hold Me Tight.” She continued to release albums and singles, leaving a lasting impact on Nigerian music.
3. Social Activism: Onwenu’s commitment extended beyond entertainment. She championed human rights causes, women’s development, and social justice. In 2013, she became the Executive Director/CEO of the National Centre for Women Development.
State of Origin
Onyeka Onwenu hailed from Ideato North of Imo State.
Husband, Family and Children
Not so much is known about Onyeka Onwenu’s personal life but she once said in her autobiography that she was married to a Yoruba muslim.
Their union however produced her sons, Tijani and Abraham(formerly Ibrahim) Ogunlende.
Cause of Death
Onyeka Onwenu slumped at the birthday party of Dr Stella Okoli, the MD of Emzor Pharmaceutical Companies and was pronounced dead after being rushed to Reddinton Hospital Lagos
