Dr. Chika A. Onyeani, Sr. passed away peacefully at St. Barnabas Hospital on December 6, 2016.
Dr. Onyeani, Sr., who became a pillar in African communities in Nigeria, here in America, and throughout the world, died from a brief illness at the age of 73.
Dr. Chika Onyeani was a journalist of international acclaim, distinction, and recognition. A former diplomat, who came to the U.S. in the late 60’s as part of the Biafran diplomatic core, Onyeani was the publisher and editor-in-chief of the African Sun Times, the largest and only weekly African newspaper distributed nation-wide in America.
Dr. Onyeani received numerous awards for journalistic excellence, including from The New York Times Institute for Journalists.
Dr. Onyeani has received over 75 awards internationally from governments, universities, heads of state, such as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and the Chair of the African Union Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
He was an alumnus of several institutions of higher learning, both in England and United States including Fordham University and the Baruch Graduate Division of CUNY.
During his tenure in NYC, Dr. Onyeani earned several additional degrees and met and married Loretta Hand of Hackensack, NJ.
Dr. Chika A. Onyeani, Sr. is survived by his wife and two sons Chika Abba Onyeani II and Abba Abba Onyeani.
Dr. Chika A. Onyeani, Sr. was a warrior, and in fact was an Ohafian; which is the most feared group of Igbos in Nigeria. This fierceness emboldened him to live his life with zeal and to live a life of truth; leading to hours of spirited discussions with the very many individuals who were fortunate to know this great man.
Dr. Onyeani’s family will celebrate his life on February 4, 2016, in Newark, New Jersey.
Details for the celebration will be shared at a later date.
