The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has mourned a former First Lady of the Old Eastern Region, and wife of Michael Okpara, Lady Adanma Okpara who died at 97.
A release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka read;
The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD has received with a heavy heart but with a deep sense of gratitude to the Almighty God for a very fulfilled life, the news of the passing on of the former First Lady of the Old Eastern Region, Her Excellency, Lady Adanma Okpara at the age of 97 years.
Lady Adanma Okpara was married to the iconic Late Dr. Micheal Iheonukara Okpara, who served as Premier of the old Eastern Region from 1959 to 1966, and together, they gave the people of the old Eastern Region, a first class government whose achievements continue to reverberate even till this day.
The spousal support she provided to her late husband was instrumental to the monumental success he recorded as Premier.
Widowed since December, 1984, Lady Adanma Okpara remained a model of good and excellent womanhood. She was a fountain of knowledge from which most women, especially, here in Abia, drank freely.
Governor Ikpeazu notes with satisfaction that the now late Lady Adanma Okpara remained at her husband’s house in Umuegwu, Ohuhu, Umuahia and continued to play the role of a mother, grandmother and community leader till her final days.
The Governor recalls with nostalgia the moments he spent with her and how passionate she remained about the use of the platform of government to better the lives of the people. She freely shared their experiences about the public service of the first republic.
“Her death”, the Governor notes, “has robbed us of one of our most iconic female living legends”.
Governor Ikpeazu is however thankful to God for the life of Lady Okpara. She lived a fulfilled life, served God and humanity, as well as had the exceptional privilege of seeing her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. At 97, she saw it all.
The Governor assures that the people of Abia State will always treasure her memories, just the way we continue to treasure the great memories of her late husband. Together, they left imperishable legacies.
The Governor sends his deep condolences to the first son of the family, Chief Uzodinma Okpara (Omekannaya) and indeed, the entire family on the glorious passage of this truly great woman.
He urges them to take pride in the solid legacies of their parents and be motivated to keep the flag of excellence in public service, hoisted by their parents, flying at full mast.
The State Government, the Governor assures, will work closely with the family to ensure that she gets a burial befitting of the legacies she left behind.
Governor Ikpeazu, on behalf of his family, the Government and People of Abia State prays the Almighty God to grant her soul eternal rest and console her family.
