Buhari mourns Victoria, wife of Nigeria’s first military Head of State Aguiyi-Ironsi

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his “deepest condolences” to the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, the government and people of Abia State on the death of Chief Mrs Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi.

Mrs. Aguiyi-Ironsi, who became First Lady between January and July 1966, was 97. She died Monday at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.

The President said 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”.

Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, noted that the former First Lady would 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.

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“She passionately championed the welfare and wellbeing of families of military officers,” the President declared.

According to Adesina, “The President recognises 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 labours 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.”