Ebonyi state founder Senator Ofia Nwali dies at 74

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A Second Republic Senator and first black man to obtain Ph.D in Computer and Analytical Studies from Harvard University, Senator Dr. Martin Offia Nwali is dead.

The former lawmaker died in the early hours of Monday during a brief illness, at the age of 74 ,in his country home, Ameka, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

His remains have been deposited at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FETHA) mortuary, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

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Meanwhile, his son, Mr. Oguzor Nwali said his father “was a great man whose love for the unity of the Igbo race and Nigeria in general knew no bounds and said the family and Nigeria in general had lost a great hero and patriot.”

However, Governor David Umahi, who cut short his official engagement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State to commiserate with Senator Nwali’s family described his death as “a national loss.”

Governor Umahi described the late senator Nwali “as a foremost Nigerian, a great scientist and man who was highly principled and disciplined” and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.

“The news of the death of our dear father, Senator Ofia Nwali came to me as a great shock because he was a man who had every reason to live for us. His life was full of mysteries and he was one of the few founding fathers of this state who stood for the truth and justice. Ebonyi State Government and indeed Nigeria at large has lost a great mind, a colossus and a computer wizard and we pray God to accept his soul”

The governor who was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof Ben Odoh and some top government officials further urged Senator Nwali’s children to immortalize their late father by living just and upholding all the good virtues he had while alive and assured the family of state government’s assistance.

Senator Dr. Ofia Nwali was the first black man to obtain a PhD in computer and analytical studies from the prestigious Harvard University, United States of America, USA.

His return to the shores of Nigeria was facilitated by the then Inspector General of police, late MD Y in 1972 shortly before he was appointed chairman of school Board by the then East Central state.

He represented Abakaliki Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Lagos between 1979-1983 and was the first person to submit a written request for the creation of Ebonyi state on October 10, 1979 to the then National Assembly, Tafawa Balewa square, Lagos.

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