President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with Aguiyi-Ironsi’s family, government and people of Abia State over the death of Mrs Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of the first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi.
President Buhari, in a statement issued Monday by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, said Lady Victoria’s incredible strength and exceptional courage during one of the darkest moments in the nation’s history put her as a mother of the nation, God-fearing and a foremost woman of valour.
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The President said the former First Lady would be remembered for laying a solid foundation for women’s leadership role in the seat of power.
President Buhari said the deceased “passionately” championed the welfare and wellbeing of families of military officers as a founding member of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association.
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.
President Buhari, who expressed hope that Lady Victoria’s labours for the country would not be in vain, joined all Nigerians in praying for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those mourning.
She died Monday
A close family friend had disclosed that she died at 5.00 am on Monday, exactly one day after her friend, age mate and wife of the former Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Adanma Okpara, died.
Her husband, Gen. Aguiyi-Ironsi, was in office from January 17, 1966, till July 29, 1966.
He was killed in Ibadan in a counter-coup led by Gen. Murtala Mohammed, also deceased.
Born on 21st November 1923, Lady Ironsi was the second First Lady of Nigeria from January 17, 1966, to July 29, 1966.
Lady Aguiyi-Ironsi was born in November 1923; while her friend, Adanma Okpara, was born in June 1924.