Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor has expressed her sadness and pain over the news of music icon Onyeka Onwenu’s death.
Onwenu allegedly collapsed after performing at the 80th birthday party of Emzor Pharmaceuticals CEO Stella Okolie on Tuesday in Lagos.
She was reportedly taken to Reddington Hospital, where she is said to have passed away.
Reacting to Onwenu’s death on Wednesday in Enugu, Ozokwor told NAN that it was both saddening and painful.
“Onyeka was more than just a colleague; she was a friend. I am deeply saddened and hurt by her death, especially since she was not ill.
“Why are so many people dying like this? What is causing so many deaths? Everybody in this country is under so much stress,” she said.
Onwenu was born in 1952 and thenstarted her music career in the 1980s and released her first album, “For the Love of You,” in 1981.
She went on to release many albums and singles, including the popular song “One Love.”
Onwenu has also appeared in many Nollywood films and has received many awards for her contributions to music and film.
Besides her entertainment career, Onwenu has been active in 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.
She also received the National Honours of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
