Otti Mourns Okonjo-Iweala’s Mother, Prof Kamene Okonjo

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has commiserated with the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, over the death of her mother, Prof Kamene Okonjo.

The governor described the death as a personal loss to him and the people of Abia State, noting that the loss of a mother leaves an irreplaceable void regardless of a child’s achievements or public recognition.

Otti conveyed his condolences in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku-Ukoha.

He described the deceased as more than a parent, saying she served as a moral guide, teacher, confidante and source of spiritual strength whose values continued to influence her daughter’s work and contributions to humanity.

The governor said he understood the pain of the loss, noting the close relationship between Okonjo-Iweala and her mother. He added that the people of Abia shared in the grief of a family whose matriarch had raised a daughter widely recognised for her contributions to Nigeria and the international community.

Otti prayed that God would comfort Okonjo-Iweala and her family during the difficult period. He also urged them to draw strength from the knowledge that the deceased had lived an impactful life and left a legacy that would endure for generations.

Prof Kamene Okonjo died on Friday at the age of 96. She was a renowned sociologist and the wife of the late Prof Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State. The couple shared 66 years of marriage.

The late academic was recognised for her scholarly contributions and advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment. She was also the mother of the current Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II.

Her death has drawn tributes from public officials and members of the academic community, who have acknowledged her contributions to scholarship, family life and society.