Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has condoled the Aguiyi Ironsi family over the death of the Former First Lady of Nigeria, Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi.
Her death is coming barely 24 hours after the death of Lady Adanma Okpara, Former First Lady of the Old Eastern Region.
Late Noble Lady Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi who died aged 97, was married to Nigeria’s First Military Head of State and Nigeria’s first indigenous Army General, Late General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi, a great son of Abia State.
Governor Ikpeazu in a Press Release made available to Newsmen while expressing profound sadness at the death of Lady Aguiyi Ironsi, said her death has robbed the state of one of her greatest political and historical icons, adding that her place in contemporary history is assured.
He noted that the deseased bore with great equanimity and strenght, the death of her dear husband at the height of his career, just after six months in office as Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in July 1966 and has since then remained strong and committed to the ideals of an egalitarian society.
Ikpeazu observed with pride that Noble Lady Aguiyi Ironsi was undeterred by the tragic death of her husband and managed to groom her children to become great and responsible members of society who also imbibed the finest ideals of public service, especially her first son, a successful career diplomat, His Excellency, Ambassador Tom Aguiyi Ironsi, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Togo and a former Honorable Minister of State, Defence.
“Here in Abia, Noble Lady Aguiyi Ironsi became a personification of the finest ideals of public service and a permanent resource person to successive First Ladies in our state. Till death, she carried herself with great dignity and charisma”,he said.
The Governor however expressed gratitude to God for keeping Noble Lady Aguiyi Ironsi to live up to 97 years at a time when life expectancy in Nigeria is on the decline pointing out that her death, 24 hours after the death of Lady Adanma Okpara bears some philosophical significance.
He said: “The death, in quick succession, of these two iconic Abia women is very significant. They were both great historical icons. They were both First Ladies. They were both from Umuahia, our state capital”.
Governor Ikpeazu, on behalf of his family, the Government and People of Abia State prayed the Almighty God to grant her soul eternal rest and console the entire Aguiyi Ironsi family.
