A former Chief Whip of the Senate, Rowland Owie, KSJI, on Monday, commiserated with the family of Nigeria’s first elected female Senator, Franca Afegbua, who died on Sunday at the age of 80.
In a statement, in Benin, the Ex Senate Whip who was also a member of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic said his family received with sadness, the death of the octogenarian politician and women’s advocate and community leader.
Extending his heartfelt condolences to her Okpella kindred and the larger Etsako community over the loss of one of their pillars, he said “we have lost a great woman whose contributions to the growth and development of the Bendel people and Nigeria can best be described as inspirational and worthy of emulation.”
“Senator Franca Afegbua was a woman who broke many glass ceilings, a true icon of democracy and a champion of women emancipation,” Owie said.
“She was a fearless leader, a great orator, and a passionate advocate for women’s rights. A trailblazer who paved the way for many women to follow in her footsteps, she remained a strong voice for the people of her constituency and always put their needs first.
“A woman of great character and integrity, she was honest, forthright, and always stood up for what she believed in. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those she touched during her life and times.
“We collaborated closely during the 1983 general elections, when I served as the campaign manager for the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Bendel State. She was one of the five Senators elected from the State, alongside other notable figures like Senators EK Clark, David Dafinone, Prof. Sunday Iyahen an Nosike Ikpo.
“After her successful election, Senator Franca Afegbua paid me a thank you visit at my residence in Benin, accompanied by many prominent women, including Lady Lilly Edobor, a philanthropist from Igbanke, now of blessed memory. This visit marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship that lasted over four decades,” Owie added.
“My family and I extend our most profound condolences to the family of the late Distinguished Senator, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella and all Afemai peoples on the demise of the erudite leader,” the former Chief Whip said.
He prayed God to grant her immediate family the strength to bear the irreparable loss, pointing out that her achievements in different areas of national life would always be remembered.
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