Abia former gov lauds Ladies Ironsi, Okpara as exceptional matriarchs

The former governor of Abia State and senator, representing Abia Central, Chief Theodore Orji, has paid tribute to the late Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of the first Military Head of State of Nigeria, General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi and the late Lady Adanma Okpara, wife of Dr Michael Okpara, the late Premier of the Eastern Region, describing both as exceptional matriarchs.

The two former first ladies died, on August 22 and 23 respectively.

Senator Orji, in a press release issued in Umahia, on Wednesday, noted: “These ladies experienced the darkest segment of our history as General Johnson Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi was brutally assassinated in a counter-coup in 1966, while Dr M I Okpara, Premier of Eastern Region went on exile at the demise of Biafra.

“Victoria and Adanma, in a fatal coincidence are no more today, having gone the way of all mortals. They highly exemplified the biblical virtuous woman and brought to the fore the dictum that marriage is for better and for worse.”

By their exits, he added, “Umuahia North LGA, Abia in general and as a matter of fact, the entire Nation has been robbed of mother-figures whose lifestyles, stoicism and amiability will be greatly missed for a long time to come.”

“These grand Ladies, epitomes of rare motherhood departed at the same time and same age having achieved so much, keeping their families and communities intact.

“It could be rightly argued that what their spouses lost in age was added to theirs as compensation for loyalty and uncommon diligence.

“Spectacularly they were a few years shy of one hundred, and prayed God to give Nigeria other mentors like them who, in all ramifications, through thick and thin upheld family values.”

The former governor urged their families, the state and the federal governments to assist in keeping their legacies alive by immortalising them, while at the same time, serving as veritable guides for the future generations, “especially in these decadent days when missiles are guided and men misguided.”

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

Abia former gov lauds Ladies Ironsi, Okpara as exceptional matriarchs

We Have Not Had Water Supply In Months ― Abeokuta Residents

In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state.  Abia former gov lauds Ladies Ironsi, Okpara as exceptional matriarchs