By Ola Modupe (LAGOS), David Iorja (ABUJA) –
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with family, friends and associates of Senator Franca Afegbua, first female Senator of Nigeria, whose adventure into political leadership lifted the glass ceiling for women in the legislature in the Second Republic.
Similarly, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, today in Lagos, expressed sadness over the death of Afegbua, saying her contributions to Nigeria and the womenfolk will never be forgotten.
Afegbua, who was elected under the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria(NPN), to represent the old Bendel North Senatorial District in the Second Republic National Assembly, died on Sunday at 80 in her Benin-City home in Edo State.
President Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Femi Adesina, believed the historical feat completely altered the perception and position of women, her State and the country, especially with the projection of exemplary leadership traits of empathy and inclusiveness, which earned Afegbua trust and respect.
“The President shares in the pain of loss with the Government and people of Edo State, and her community, where she had remained an inspiration to young women, lifting many out of hopelessness through mentorship, and creating opportunities for others to realize their dreams in various careers,” the statement said.
President Buhari prayed that the Almighty God will receive the soul of the departed, while urging the family to approximate her good works for posterity.
In a statement she personally signed, Senator Tinubu described the late Afegbua as a trailblazer and quintessential lawmaker who led the way in showing that women can participate in politics and make meaningful impacts.
Senator Tinubu said: “I received with shock the news of the demise of Chief Franca Afegbua, Nigeria’s first elected female Senator.
“Senator Afegbua made history in October 1983 when she was elected to the Senate to represent the people of Bendel North on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), defeating John Umolu of the Unity Party of Nigeria, the then ruling party in the defunct Bendel State.
“From being a widely celebrated beautician to breaking the glass ceiling and showing the Nigerian women that they can participate in politics and make meaningful impact, Senator Afegbua was a trailblazer who paved the way for others including me.
“Although her tenure in the Senate was cut short by the return to military rule in December 1983, she spent the rest of her life being an active citizen, advocating adequate representation of women in politics and governance.
“Senator Afegbua’s contributions to Nigeria and the womenfolk will never be forgotten. She embodied every quality women need to thrive in Nigeria’s political space, and her wisdom and guidance will be sorely missed.
“I commiserate with her family, the people of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area where she hailed from, and the governments and people of Edo and Delta states. I join others to pray for the repose of her soul and for God to comfort all the loved ones she left behind.”