Lady Adanma Okpara, widow of the First Republic Premier of defunct Eastern Nigeria, late Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara, is dead.
She reportedly died early Sunday morning at an undisclosed hospital.
She would have been 97 years old on December 21, 2021.
Her death became public knowledge when the Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, while addressing Catholic Bishops in Enugu, called for the observance of one minute silence in her honour.
Her son Uzodinma, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, could not be reached immediately.
The late Dr M I Okpara
It was however learned that a day prior to her demise, the former First Lady of Eastern Region had been taken to the hospital, where she died on Sunday morning.
Lady Adanma Okpara was the pillar behind the successes recorded by her husband, Dr. M.I. Okpara, both in governance and administration.
Meanwhile, Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has expressed deep shock at the death of Lady Adanma Okpara, describe g her as an “iconic female living legend.”
Ikpeazu, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Onyebuchi Ememanka, recalled the moments he spent with her and how passionate she was 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 noted, “has robbed us of one of our most iconic female living legends”.
The governor, Ememanka further said, “is however thankful to God for the life of Lady (Adanma) Okpara. She lived a fulfilled life, served God and humanity, as well as had the exceptional privilege of seeing her chikdren, 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, therefore, sent 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.
Ikpeazu assured that the government will work closely with the family to ensure that she gets a burial befitting of her status.