I’m celebrating Onyeka Onwenu today. An outstanding woman who is a huge inspiration to me. A singer, songwriter, actress, journalist, politician and a human right activist.
Onyeka Onwenu was born on the 17th of May, 1952 in Nigeria. Onyeka possess a BA in International Relations and Communication of the Wesley College of Massachusetts, USA and a Master’s degree in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research in New York. She worked for many years in the United Nations in New York before returning to Nigeria in 1980 where she completed the mandatory one year National Service in National Television Authority (NTA). While in NTA, she made an impact as an articulate, incisive and fearless reporter. In 1984, she wrote and presented the internationally acclaimed BBC/NTA documentary called “Nigeria, A Squandering of Riches” which became the definitive film about corruption in Nigeria. She has also served on the board of the NTA.
Onyeka began her music career in 1981 while still working in NTA, releasing the album “For the Love of You”. Originally a secular artist, she now sings mainly gospel music, and continues to write and sing about issues such as health, peace and mutual coexistence, respect for women rights and the plight of children. In 2013, she was named as one of the three judges on the Nigerian version of The X Factor. In recognition of her contribution to music and arts in Nigeria.
The former Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development. She was also the former chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture. Onyeka onwenu is a member of the People’s Democratic Party. She was in the running to become Local Council Chairman of her native land, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, but was appointed Chairperson of Imo State, Council for Arts and Culture.
Onyeka Onwenu has featured in numerous Nollywood movies and in 2006 she won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting role in 2014. She was in the movie Half of a Yellow Sun with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandie Newton. In recognition of her immense contribution to the society, Onyeka Onwenu has won numerous awards. Onyeka is also a recipient of the National Award- MFR (Member of the Federal Republic).
She is truly a source of inspiration and a phenomenal woman!
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Have a lovely weekend guys.
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