Philanthropist Lucky Igbokwe has mourned the death of two iconic women of Abia State, Chief Mrs Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi and Chief Mrs Adanma Okpara.
The death of the late widow of late Michael Okpara and the first military Head of State, late Major Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who were aged 97 was announced last week.
In a statement sent to newsmen, Mr Igbokwe celebrated the women for standing by their husbands even as the tides were against them and prayed that their soul rests in peace.
Igbokwe writes below;
LUCKY IGBOKWE (DON LULU) MOURNS ABIA’S ICONIC WOMEN
I wish to express my heartfelt sympathies over the death of Chief Mrs Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi (1923-2021) and Chief Mrs Adanma Okpara (1924-2021) both iconic women of Umuahia, Abia state and the nation.
Late Dame Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi was a first lady of a different kind who stood by her husband at a most difficult time in the country. She was never found wanting in her private life and in the community.
I also recall with nostalgia, my recent visit to the family home of the late Premier of the Eastern region Dr M. I Okpara where I paid tribute to his great memory beside his tomb. Little did I know I’ll be paying another one, so soon, to the memory of the matriarch of the great Okpara dynasty.
Lady Adanma Okpara was exemplary in character and initiative.
She was a founding mother of Abia state and a strong pillar of support during her husband’s yet to be rivalled successful leadership of the old Eastern region.
A role model for young people, she lived, serving the community until her passing.
Even as we’ll miss these graceful matriarchs of inestimable value we are consoled by the volume of fond memories that was in full display in their life and times.
Their gentle souls will always be in our hearts
Lucky Igbokwe (Don Lulu)
Mayor of Peace
