Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of late Nigerian Head of State, Major General J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi, is dead.
The former First Lady died peacefully Monday morning at age 97.
She died less than 24 hours after the wife of the late Premier of the defunct Eastern region, Dr. Michael Okpara died.
Both of them hailed from Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
Lady Aguiyi-Ironsi according to a close family source died of an old age-related ailment.
Her husband, and the Supreme Commander of the National Military Government, was killed on July 29, 1966.
Following the death of her husband, Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, never re-married.
President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his deepest condolences to the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, and government, and people of Abia State on the passing of Chief Mrs. Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi.
The President affirms that Lady Victoria’s incredible strength and exceptional courage during one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history pedestals her as a mother of the nation, God-fearing, and a foremost woman of valour.
The President also noted that the former First Lady will be remembered for laying a solid foundation for women’s leadership role in the seat of power and as a founding member of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association; she passionately championed the welfare and wellbeing of families of military officers.
The President recognised that 55 years after the death of General J.T Aguiyi-Ironsi, Lady Victoria never stopped working for the greater good of Nigeria, and for peace, stability, healing and reconciliation in the land.
The President sincerely hopes that Lady Victoria’s labors for the country will not be in vain, and joins all Nigerians in praying for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those who mourn.
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