Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor has expressed profound sorrow over the sudden death of music legend Onyeka Onwenu. Speaking with NAN in Enugu on Wednesday, Ozokwor conveyed her deep grief, describing the news as both painful and shocking.
Onwenu reportedly collapsed after performing at the 80th birthday celebration of Stella Okolie, CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, in Lagos on Tuesday. Despite being rushed to Reddington Hospital, she passed away shortly after.
Ozokwor, who regarded Onwenu as both a colleague and a friend, shared her anguish, saying, “I am devastated by her death, especially since she wasn’t ill. It’s heartbreaking to see so many people leaving us suddenly. What is causing this wave of deaths? The stress in this country is overwhelming.”
Onyeka Onwenu, born in 1952, began her illustrious music career in the 1980s and gained prominence with her debut album, For the Love of You, released in 1981. She continued to make significant contributions to both music and film, with memorable tracks like “One Love” and a host of awards recognizing her achievements.
In addition to her entertainment career, Onwenu made her mark in politics. She served as Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture from 2013 and was later appointed Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016. Her contributions earned her the National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
