My 2014 Encounter With Late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe – Onyeka Onwenu

Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu has joined the international community in mourning the sudden and tragic death of former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.

Abe 67, died on Friday after being shot at a close range by a young man while speaking at a campaign ground in the city of Nara ahead of a parliamentary election.

He held office in 2006 for one year and again from 2012 to 2020.

In a condolence message, Onwenu expressed shock on the gruesome death of the former Japanese two-time leader. She said the death shocked the whole world.

The Nigerian human rights activist and former director general, National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), said she had worked closely with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for the establishment of women centers around the country, and through that opportunity, was able to come in contact with Abe.

According to Onwenu, Abe was a humble and focused man who never looked down on anyone but treated all with great dignity.

The statement reads: “I join in mourning Shinzo Abe. It was a great shock to me.

“As Director General National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), I worked closely and very well with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japanese aid Agency in the establishment of women centers around the country. This was our first meeting in Japan in 2014.

“He was a humble and focused man. He looked down on no one and treated all with great respect.”

She also stated that Abe “truly believed and relied on the power of women.”

“A most honorable man. When he is speaking or listening to your points, he is all in, attentive and respectful. Rest in power and peace,” Onwenu added.

Abe’s assassination came as a very rude shock to world leaders, who took turns to pen their tributes, describing who the qualities they found in him in the course of his activities both in the country and the world stage.

A United Nations spokesman, in statement said the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres was saddened by the horrific killing” of Abe, adding that “he will be remembered as a staunch defender of multilateralism, respected leader, and supporter of the United Nations.”

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