Nigerian Politician and First Black Man to Obtain Ph.D in Computer Studies from Harvard is Dead

Nigerian influential politician, a Second Republic Senator and the first black man to obtain Ph.D in Computer and Analytical Studies from the prestigious Harvard University, Senator Dr. Martin Offia Nwali is dead.

 

According to Daily Sun, 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.

 

It was learnt that his remains have been deposited at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FETHA) mortuary, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

 

Ebonyi State 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.'

 

He 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," he said.

 

Senator Dr. Ofia Nwali was one of the founding fathers of Ebonyi 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.