The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has mourned the death of her mother, Prof. Kamene Okonjo, who died at the age of 96.
TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Kamene, a renowned sociologist and matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family, died on Friday.
She was the wife of the late Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo and mother of Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State.
Okonjo-Iweala expressed appreciation to friends and followers for their messages of condolence following her mother’s death, describing her as a woman who lived a fulfilled life.
“Today, I have been overwhelmed with messages of condolences and tributes to my wonderful mother,” she said.
“I just want to thank all my friends and followers and let you know how appreciative my entire family and I are of your support.
“My mother lived a quality life till the end and we are very grateful we had her for so long. May her soul rest in perfect peace,” the WTO chief added.
TNG reports the death of the nonagenarian was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by Chief Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, Palace Secretary of Ogwashi-Uku, on behalf of the royal family.
The statement described the late Kamene as an extraordinary woman whose life was defined by intellectual brilliance, humility, compassion, dignity and a commitment to the advancement of humanity.
“An internationally recognised and foremost sociologist, Prof. Kamene Okonjo distinguished herself through her outstanding academic accomplishments, intellectual contributions and lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment,” the statement said.
It added that despite her exceptional intellect and professional accomplishments, she remained humble and graceful, earning the affection of those who knew her.
“Her achievements transcended the boundaries of Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria, earning her admiration and respect within academic and intellectual circles internationally,” the statement said.
The royal family also described Kamene as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, whose wisdom, kindness and exemplary character would continue to inspire future generations.
Beyond her academic achievements, the statement said, she represented the finest qualities of scholarship, womanhood, motherhood and service to society.
“At 96 years, Okonjo left behind an extraordinary legacy of scholarship, service, family values and advocacy for the dignity and advancement of women,” it said.
The late professor was married to Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, for 66 years.
The family said it drew comfort from its Christian faith, expressing the belief that she was resting peacefully with the Lord after completing her earthly journey with grace and distinction.
It extended its condolences to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and Kamene’s children, including Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Onyema Okonjo and Chichi Okonjo, as well as their spouses, children and the wider Okonjo royal family.
The statement also called on the people of Ogwashi-Uku to join the family in celebrating the life and legacy of the late matriarch, whose contributions to scholarship, women’s empowerment and society, it said, would not be forgotten.