“How can everyone be dying like that?” — Patience Ozokwor

Amidst the economic hardship, the Nigerian entertainment industry including Nollywood veteran, Patience Ozokwor is in mourning following the sudden death of music legend Onyeka Onwenu.

The iconic singer and actress reportedly collapsed while performing at the 80th birthday celebration of Stella Okolie, CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, in Lagos. She was swiftly rushed to Reddington Hospital, where she sadly passed away.

Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor expressed her deep sorrow in an emotional reaction to the news.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from Enugu,Patience Ozokwor said, “Onyeka is not just a colleague but a friend. I am downcast now and hurting because of her death and for the fact that she was not sick.”

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Onwenu, born in 1952, began her illustrious music career in the 1980s, captivating audiences with her debut album “For the Love of You” in 1981. She went on to release numerous hits, including the beloved song “One Love.” In addition to her music career, Onwenu was a celebrated actress in Nollywood and received multiple awards for her contributions to both music and film.

Beyond the entertainment world, Onwenu also made her mark in politics. She served as the Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture in 2013 and was later appointed as the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development in 2016. Her achievements were recognized in 2011 when she was awarded the National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

As the nation grapples with the loss of such a multifaceted talent, Ozokwor poignantly questioned, “How can everyone be dying like that, what is causing so much death? Everyone is stressed up in this country.”