By Enitan Abel Johngold Orheruata
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ede Dafinone have expressed condolences to the Okonjo family of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom over the death of their matriarch, Prof. Kamene Okonjo, who died on Friday at the age of 96.
Prof. Okonjo, a distinguished scholar and advocate for women’s empowerment, was the mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and wife of the late Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo.
In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described the deceased as an accomplished academic whose contributions to scholarship, women’s rights and society would remain indelible.
The governor said Prof. Okonjo’s life was defined by intellectual excellence, compassion, humility and dedication to service, noting that her achievements had earned her recognition beyond Nigeria.
He also acknowledged her enduring role as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, saying the values she instilled in her family and her contributions to society would continue to inspire generations.
Oborevwori extended his condolences to Dr Okonjo-Iweala, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, and members of the immediate and extended Okonjo family, as well as the people of the kingdom.
He prayed to God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss and for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul, describing her death at 96 as the end of a life devoted to scholarship, service, family and humanity.
Also mourning Prof. Okonjo, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, described her life as one of “purpose and impact.”
Dafinone, in a condolence message, said the late professor’s contributions to scholarship, women’s empowerment and service to humanity had left a lasting legacy.
“Her enduring legacy of excellence, compassion and devotion to family will continue to inspire generations,” he said.
The senator particularly commiserated with Dr Okonjo-Iweala, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II and the entire Okonjo family, describing Prof. Okonjo’s passing as a profound loss.
He, however, noted that the family could draw comfort from the fact that she lived a fulfilled life and left “lasting footprints in society.”
Dafinone, on behalf of his family and the people of Delta Central Senatorial District, prayed for the eternal repose of Prof. Okonjo’s soul and for God to grant the bereaved family the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
