Abia State Governor Alex Otti has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Professor Kamene Okonjo, mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, describing her passing as a personal loss to him and the people of Abia State.
Professor Kamene Okonjo, a renowned sociologist and advocate for women’s empowerment, died on Friday at the age of 96.
Otti conveyed his condolences in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njuko-Ukoha, joining the Okonjo family and other mourners in paying tribute to the late academic.
Otti: No Achievement Can Replace a Mother’s Love
The governor said the death of a mother leaves an irreplaceable void, regardless of the accomplishments or international recognition her children may have achieved.
He described the deceased as a moral guide, teacher, confidante and prayer warrior whose values of integrity, hard work, excellence, compassion and service continued to reflect in her daughter’s life and work.
According to Otti, Abia State mourns not only the loss of a distinguished academic but also that of a mother whose upbringing helped shape a Nigerian woman who has earned international recognition.
He noted that Okonjo-Iweala had often spoken with deep affection and respect for her mother, adding that the close relationship between them made the loss particularly painful.
Late Professor Remembered for Scholarship and Women’s Empowerment
Professor Kamene Okonjo was widely recognised for her contributions to sociology, academic research and the advancement of women’s rights.
She was the wife of the late Obi Professor Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State. The couple shared 66 years of marriage.
Beyond her academic achievements, the late professor was remembered by her family as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose humility, kindness and commitment to family and society left a lasting impression.
Governor Offers Prayers for the Bereaved Family
Otti prayed that God would comfort Okonjo-Iweala and the entire family during the difficult period.
He urged them to draw strength from the knowledge that the deceased lived a fulfilled and impactful life, with a legacy expected to inspire generations to come.
The governor’s condolence adds to tributes from Nigerians and public figures following the death of the respected scholar, whose life combined academic distinction, family devotion and advocacy for women’s advancement.
Hashtags: #AlexOtti #NgoziOkonjoIweala #KameneOkonjo #WTO #AbiaState #DeltaState #WomenEmpowerment #NigeriaNews #OnPointGist
