Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State was on the weekend thrown into mourning, following the loss of life of Prof. Kamene Okonjo, mom of the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The famend sociologist and matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai royal household, who can be the mom of the dominion’s conventional ruler, Dr Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, died on Friday on the age of 96.
She was additionally the spouse of the late Obi of the dominion, Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo, the rapid previous conventional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.
The Palace Secretary, Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, in a press release yesterday, mentioned the royal household was mourning an distinctive lady whose life was marked by mental brilliance, humility, compassion and dedication to humanity.
He described the late professor as an internationally recognised sociologist who distinguished herself by her educational achievements, mental contributions and lifelong advocacy for girls’s rights and empowerment.
“She was a woman of exceptional intellect, yet possessed a rare gentleness of spirit, humility and grace that endeared her to everyone privileged to know her,” he mentioned.
The palace secretary famous that her achievements transcended Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria, incomes her worldwide recognition and respect inside educational and mental circles.
He described her as an embodiment of scholarship, womanhood, motherhood and repair to society.
Beyond her skilled accomplishments, Okonjo was a loyal mom, grandmother and great-grandmother, as properly as a pillar of the royal household, the assertion added.
Emordi added that her knowledge, kindness, quiet energy, and exemplary character would stay a permanent supply of inspiration for future generations.
“While we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life exceptionally well lived,” he added.
He maintained that the deceased left a long-lasting legacy of scholarship, service, household values, and advocacy for the dignity and development of girls.
The royal household expressed confidence in its Christian religion, saying it drew consolation from the idea that she was resting peacefully with the Lord after finishing her earthly journey with grace and distinction.
It additionally prolonged its condolences to the reigning Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and to the deceased’s kids, together with Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, Dr. Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Prince Onyema Okonjo and Prince Chichi Okonjo, as properly as their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the broader Okonjo household.
It urged the individuals of Ogwashi-Uku to affix the royal household in celebrating the late professor’s life and legacy.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu yesterday prolonged his heartfelt condolences to the Okonjo royal household of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, on the passing of their matriach.
He described the deceased as a distinguished scholar, a champion of girls’s empowerment, and a revered matriarch.
The President, in a launch issued on Sunday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, significantly commiserated along with her daughter, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the WTO; different relations, and the individuals of Ogwashi-Uku over the lack of their beloved mom, matriarch, and group chief.
Tinubu described Okonjo’s passing as the lack of an achieved educational whose life was outlined by mental distinction, service to humanity, and a permanent dedication to advancing girls and society.
The President acknowledged her contributions to scholarship and her inspiring instance as a lady who mixed skilled excellence with dedication to household, group, and the preservation of conventional establishments.
Tinubu prayed that the Almighty God will grant the departed everlasting relaxation and luxury the household and all who mourn her passing.
