Life Lessons every woman can learn from the late Onyeka Onwenu
The world was hit by a monumental loss when the legendary Onyeka Onwenu slumped and died during a performance on July 30, 2024, at age 72.
With her many talents, she lived a purposeful life worthy of emulation and will forever live on as one of Nigeria’s greatest singers.
Here are some life lessons to learn from Onyeka Onwenu, the one fondly dubbed the ‘Elegant Stallion’.
1. Get education
Known for her intelligence and eloquence, Onyeka Onwenu spared no cost in getting quality education. A Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and an MA in Media Studies both from universities in the United States prove just that. These degrees will no doubt be pivotal in different stages of her life.
Want to get to the highest level in your career? Get that education, and never stop learning
2. Know your purpose and use your gifts
Onyeka Onwenu was a multi-passionate individual who was blessed with various creative talents. While she was popularly known for being an award-winning singer, she was also an actress, journalist, activist, author, entrepreneur, and politician.
She found her gifts early enough and used them to the fullest thereby living a purposeful and impactful life.
Want to live a life of impact, know and identify your gifts and talents. What are you good at? What are the things you do effortlessly?
3. Be consistent and hardworking
Onwenu had shown a streak of consistency of hard work over the years. From her singing days to becoming an actress and a politician, she refused to rest on her oars.
It wasn’t surprising to know she died at 72 doing what she loved the most. She was a sucker for hard work and it showed all through her lifetime.
Keep doing that thing you are great at and one day, everything will align. Remember, nothing good comes easy.
4. Love yourself
One thing Onyeka Onwenu stood for was self-love. Every opportunity she had, she always advised women to love themselves no matter how they look and not seek validation from others.
Self-love is important because it sets the tone for other relationships. How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.
5. Be resilient
It is not news that Onyeka fought many battles in her lifetime, from losing her father at age four in an accident to going on a hunger strike to get justice over NTA’s refusal to pay her royalties, to getting divorced, indeed it was not an easy road for the legend. However, she never allowed these battles to stop or prevent her from reaching her goals.
Challenges will come and they are part of life, however, turning your lemons into lemonade is what will set you apart and keep you going.
6. Ooze respect
With her elegance and eloquence, Onyeka Onwenu oozed an aura of authority and respect which was corroborated by all those who came across her. She was called ‘tough’ on countless occasions however she was also known as one of the sweetest individuals.
To be respected, know that you must also be respectful. Command respect and the world will be your oyster.
7. Don’t let your past hold you back
Not many knew that Onyeka was married with two sons especially since she was a private person and she kept her private life out of the public eye.
In an interview, she spoke about how her marriage had made her depressed and the only way out was to leave to stay alive.
She brought up her sons alone without the support of her ex-husband but refused to be bitter towards him. She learnt from the experience and moved on.
Holding on to the past will keep you stuck, so let go of it and keep going!