Two first ladies, Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, Chief Adamma Okpara, die; Encomiums flow; Buhari, others react
Two eminent first ladies, Noble Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi and Chief (Mrs) Adanma Okpara have passed on glory and are being remembered across the country and far beyond for the exemplary lives they lived and the lives they impacted.
Noble Lady Aguiyi-Ironsi was the wife of the first Military Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Nigerian Armed Forces (January-July 1966), Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi, while Chief (Mrs) Okpara was the wife of late Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara, Premier of Eastern Nigeria (1960-1966).
The two highly respected Matriarchs were in their 90s, were both married to Umuahia, Abia State men and passed on one day after the other.
Aguiyi-Ironsi was from Ndume Ibeku Umuahia while late Dr. Okpara was from Afugiri Umuahia.
A notice from the son of Major-General Aguiyi-Ironsi, Ambassador Tom Aguiyi-Ironsi, a former Minister of Defense of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on behalf of the family, announced the demise of the former first lady, which, he said, took place in the early hours of Monday, August 23, 2021.
Chief (Mrs) Adanma Okpara passed on a day earlier, Sunday, August 22, 2021, and since the news broke, reactions in praise of the strength, contributions and sacrifices of these two great Amazons have started pouring in.
President Muhammadu Buhari in statements by Femi Adesina, his Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) has extended condolences to to the two families on the passage of the two eminent ladies.
According to Adesina, the President extends his “deepest condolences to the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, and government and people of Abia State on the passing of Chief Mrs Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of the first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi.
“The President affirms that Lady Victoria’s incredible strength and exceptional courage during one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history pedestals her as a mother of the nation, God-fearing and a foremost woman of valour.
“The President notes that the former First Lady will be remembered for laying a solid foundation for women’s leadership role in the seat of power and as a founding member of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, she passionately championed the welfare and wellbeing of families of military officers.
“The President recognises that 55 years after the death of General J.T Aguiyi-Ironsi, Lady Victoria never stopped working for the greater good of Nigeria, and for peace, stability, healing and reconciliation in the land.
“The President sincerely hopes that Lady Victoria’s labours for the country will not be in vain, and joins all Nigerians in praying for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those who mourn.”
President Buhari, also commiserating with the family of late Dr. Okpara on the passing of their Matriarch, described Chief Adamma Okpara as an enterprising and disciplined mother, a recipient of several awards and honours from faith-based and humanitarian organizations and as a worthy example of humility and hardwork to her children and the many women she mentored in her community
He also prayed God Almighty to grant the soul of the departed Knight of John Wesley (KJW) in the Methodist Church Nigeria, eternal rest.
Lawyer, President of Credibility Group and former President of Aka Ikenga, a pan Igbo Think Tank, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, in his reaction said: “Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi was a lady in word and deed.
“She sheltered with her children in my village, Umunakanu Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo state during the Biafra War. She carried herself with dignity and earned the respect of people. After the war, she lived in Umuahia town with her children. That she is a survivor is seen in the way she took care of her children who turned out to be highly respected members of the country. An example is Amb Thomas becoming a Minister of Defense. Lady Victoria did not fall apart on the death of her husband.
“Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine on her.”
Sonny Iroche, Convener/National Coordinator, Abia League of Professional Initiatives said that the deaths of the two great women “are monumental losses which have sent shock waves across the entire length and breadth of Nigeria.
“We thank God for the long lives of the two strong and respected Amazons, as they were both over 90’years old. May God grant their souls eternal Rest In Peace.”
Celebrated music icon, accomplished actress and women’s rights activist, Onyeka Onwenu, in her reaction said: “In deed! Being married to a great man and having to continue his legacy, raising the children after an early death is not an easy task. Lady Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi and Adamma Okpara did it with superlative success. It was not an easy life for them and they made huge sacrifices. Let us give God glory for the lives of these great women and others who found and may find themselves in similar situations. May God Almighty bless them all and may their souls rest in peace.”
