Renowned Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor has expressed profound grief and sadness upon learning of the untimely demise of music legend Onyeka Onwenu.

Regrettably, Onwenu experienced a sudden collapse during a performance at the 80th birthday celebration of Stella Okolie in Lagos. She was swiftly transported to Reddington Hospital, where medical professionals regrettably pronounced her deceased.

Ozokwor, in an interview with NAN in Enugu on Wednesday, expressed profound grief and distress over the passing of Onwenu.

“Onyeka was not just a colleague but a dear friend. Her death is a heavy blow, especially since she was not ill,” Ozokwor said.

She also voiced concern over the frequent loss of lives and the stress faced in the country.

Onwenu, born in 1952, embarked on her musical journey in the 1980s with the release of her inaugural album titled “For the Love of You.” Her career gained significant traction with chart-topping hits such as “One Love.”

In addition to her musical accomplishments, Onwenu made substantial contributions to the Nollywood film industry, garnering numerous accolades for her work. She also actively engaged in politics, holding notable positions such as Chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and later as Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development.

In recognition of her achievements, Onwenu was bestowed with the prestigious Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) honor in 2011.