House Resolution 64

A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. OGBUESHI MENKEM ONYIA AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, beloved family man and businessman Mr. Ogbueshi Menkem Onyia passed this life on February 24, 2020, much to the sadness and dismay of his family, friends and the city of Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, a native of Asaba, Nigeria, he was born to Obi Onyia and Ibharegua Onoabhagbe, much to the delight and joy of his parents; and

WHEREAS, a pioneer in his native country, he was one of the first people trained as a computer programmer by IBM and was a successful businessman in Nigeria before the violent civil war caused him to flee the country; and

WHEREAS, upon his arrival to the United States, he earned his degree in business administration and accounting and went on to create and manage Tri-Continental Industries, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, his love for his family reigned above all his professional pursuits, as he met his loving wife during a college party in Washington, married her in May 1975, and to their blessed union four impressive children were born: Atuche, Kosisochukwu, Amalim and Chukwukeziah; and

WHEREAS, in 1994, he made Jackson, Mississippi, his home and created his second corporation, Is The Time, Inc., which supplied and distributed crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel and fuel oil, and even in his later years of life, Mr. Onyia remained a business power player who opened Okees Used Auto Sales; and

WHEREAS, in spite of his busy schedule with his many successful business ventures, he still found time to pass on his legacy of achievement by volunteering as a mentor with Junior Achievement, where he taught high school economics; and

WHEREAS, to cherish his memory, he leaves his wife, Florence; four children; three grandchildren, Jamaal, Aaron and Jaylen; siblings, Augustina, Wanekwugi, Florence and Ejiofor; as well as a host of other family and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the lives and contributions of citizens, such as Mr. Onyia, who build the state's economy, provide for their families and give back to their communities:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby honor the life and legacy of Mr. Ogbueshi Menkem Onyia and express deepest sympathy upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Ogbueshi Menkem Onyia and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.