The National Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Col Austin Akobundu (rtd) has called on the Federal Government to immortalise Lady Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi and Lady Adanma Okpara, wives of former Head of State, Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi and former Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Dr Michael Okpara who passed on recently as a way of encouraging the younger generation, particularly the female gender to excel in their chosen endeavours.
In a statement he issued in Umuahia on Thursday, retired Col Akobundu described the two First Ladies whose spouses served Nigeria at different capacities and times as “as veritable compass for the future generations, particularly now that many youths have continued to pursue the wrong side of life.
Speaking against the backdrop of the news conveying the coincidental death of the two notable women, both at the age of 97 and almost on the same day, Col Akobundu observed the development as a tragic event, pointing out that the two Amazons epitomized rare motherhood and indeed achieved so much, keeping their families and communities intact.
“They are a clear example of the biblical virtuous woman. By their exits, Umuahia North LGA, Abia and indeed the nation, have been robbed of mother-figures posture, wise counsel and friendliness. They will be missed immensely.
“They should be immortalized as compensation for loyalty and diligence to the nation when the spouses were in the helm of affairs of this country.
“These deaths which occurred in quick succession have robbed Abia of two of her quintessential women and role models as exemplary conducts of bravery and forthrightness in the amidst of trials and anarchy inspired many women and the girl child to hold their heads high and aspire to great heights “.
Uche Nwosu is a two time Shell Petroleum PLC award winner in the year 2000;
He won the Shell Award on Investigative Journalism and Environmental Cleanliness.
