President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday commiserated with the family of the late Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara, Premier of Eastern Nigeria during the First Republic, on the passing of his wife, Lady Adanma Okpara.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has announced the passage of Lady Adanma Okpara on Monday morning, aged 97.
Onyebuchi Ememanka, the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia Governor, in a release on Monday, quoted Ikpeazu as describing the late Adanma Okpara as a model of good and excellent womanhood who lived a fulfilled life.
Governor Ikpeazu noted with satisfaction that Adanma Okpara remained at her husband’s house in Umuegwu, Ohuhu, Umuahia, and continued to play the role of a mother, grandmother and community leader till her final days.
He recalled with nostalgia the moments he spent with her and how passionate she remained about the use of the platform of government to better the lives of the people. She freely shared their experiences about the public service of the first republic.
The Governor noted that her death has robbed Abians of one of our most iconic female living legends.
According to the release, “Governor Ikpeazu is however thankful to God for the life of Lady Okpara. She lived a fulfilled life, served God and humanity, as well as had the exceptional privilege of seeing her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. At 97, she saw it all.
“The spousal support she provided to her late husband was instrumental to the monumental success he recorded as Premier”.
Governor Ikpeazu assured that the people of Abia State will always treasure her memories, just the way we continue to treasure the great memories of her late husband. Together, they left imperishable legacies.
He expressed his deep condolences to the first son of the family, Chief Uzodinma Okpara and indeed, the entire family on the glorious passing of this truly great woman.
The State Chief Executive urged them to take pride in the solid legacies of their parents and be motivated to keep the flag of excellence in public service, hoisted by their parents, flying at full mast.
Governor Ikpeazu assured that the state government will work closely with the family to ensure that she gets a burial befitting of the legacies she left behind.
On behalf of his family, the Government and People of Abia State, he prayed to the Almighty God to grant Lady Adanma Okpara’s soul eternal rest and console her family.
In his own message, President Buhari said he joined “the government and people of Abia State and all Nigerians in mourning the passing of an enterprising and disciplined mother, who was a worthy example of humility and hardwork to her children and the many women she mentored in her community.”
According to a statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Femi Adesina, “as a recipient of several awards and honours from faith-based and humanitarian organisations, President Buhari affirms that the late wife of the very formidable figure in the First Republic and the Eastern Nigeria, led by example even after leaving public office.
“The President’s prayers and thoughts are with the family members, friends and members of the Knight of John Wesley (KJW) in the Methodist Church Nigeria, who will greatly miss her warmth, grace and depth of wisdom.
“President Buhari prays God Almighty to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.”