Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of music legend Onyeka Onwenu. Ozokwor, speaking to NAN in Enugu, described the news as profoundly painful and distressing.
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 was pronounced dead.
Ozokwor, who considered Onwenu both a colleague and a friend, lamented the suddenness of her death, noting the alarming frequency of such tragedies. “I’m heartbroken because she wasn’t ill,” Ozokwor said. “It’s troubling to see so many people dying unexpectedly. The stress in this country is overwhelming.”
Onyeka Onwenu, born in 1952, embarked on her music career in the 1980s, debuting with her album “For the Love of You” in 1981. Over the years, she released numerous albums and singles, including the renowned track “One Love.”
In addition to her successful music career, Onwenu made her mark in Nollywood, earning several awards for her contributions to both music and film. Her influence extended beyond entertainment into politics; she was appointed Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and later became the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016.
In 2011, she was honored with the National Award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
