Global Rights Nigeria In Shock Over Death Of Program Officer, Onuorah

A non-governmental organisation, Global Rights Nigeria, has expressed deep shock over the demise of its program officer on equitable resource governance, Kenechukwu Onuorah.

A statement by Abi Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights Nigeria, made available to journalists on Tuesday said Onuorah died after a protracted illness.

“We regretfully announce the tragic loss of our dear friend and colleague Kenechukwu (Kene) Onuorah. Most of you may have known Kene until his passing as our Program Officer on Equitable Resource Governance, covering our projects on natural resources and human rights, business and human rights, and climate change. For months, he struggled with his health with such bravery and dignity until Saturday, February 10, 2024.

“As his colleagues, we are devastated. Kene was, as we say, the life of the party and an old soul in a Gen-Z body. In December last year, he won the “Team Spirit Award” based on the unanimous vote of his colleagues. We do not know of anyone who met him and did not like him. He was kind, dependable, brilliant, hardworking, and fun, with a mischievous smile and a deep, unforgettable laugh. He was “that guy,” the statement said.

The organisation’s Board Chair, Chidi Odinkalu said, “I have grown up keenly aware that life is short & I think of myself as having passed the age of being entitled to complain about the brevity of human life. I make an exception though – even when I have no jurisdiction to do so – when a 26-year-old drops out of his earthly race run barely before it begins. Even allowing for a life that has seen its fair share of mortality, is rough play!

Kenechukwu’s passing tears our hearts in shreds. There is no other way to put it. In Nigerian parlance: Providence has done us a strong thing. Some people can spend what feels like an eternity on earth, & when they depart, people think “good riddance.” Others – like Kenechukwu – speed through your life, exit in a flash, & leave you gasping for more in both bewilderment & gratitude.

“At 26, Kene had so much to live for. With parents who are both alive, he leaves many more hearts shredded than just among those of us who had the privilege of working with him. It is difficult not to be mad at fate & Providence. Yet, we must be grateful for the example of this 26-year-old who inspired us with his application; challenged us with his imagination; soothed us with his laughter, & saved us with values that are eternal.

“The grief over Kene’s passing is inestimable, all the more so because of whom he was & what he embodied. As we endure it, let us also remember whom he was & be grateful for the inspiration & laughter & fun & diligence & honesty that he brought to everything he did. We pray for the Almighty to comfort Kene’s parents & siblings; to grant his soul eternal mercy & peace& to be kind to us all for the remainder of our days,” Odinkalu noted.