The Labour Party chairman, Nenadi Usman, has described the death of Kamene Okonjo, the mother of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who died at age 96, as a great loss to the nation.

Ms Okonjo-Iweala is the director-general of the World Trade Organisation and served as minister in the ministries of finance and foreign affairs.

Ms Okonjo died on Friday, October 23.

In a condolence letter on Thursday in Abuja, Mr Usman said Ms Okonjo lived a fulfilled life.

She said, “Though Okonjo attained the remarkable age of 96, her passing was, nevertheless, a great loss to the nation. Nigeria will particularly miss her invaluable contributions to academia and her exemplary services to the people of Ogwashi-Uku.”

“Where she distinguished herself as a queen whose warmth, wisdom and commitment to the well-being of her people earned her a place of honour in the Kingdom. For those of us who had the privilege of meeting her and experiencing her motherly love, her departure leaves an enduring void in our hearts,” the Labour Party chieftain said.

Ms Usman expressed heartfelt condolences to Ms Okonjo-Iweala’s family as the nation mourned the loss of the remarkable woman.

“May her gentle soul find eternal rest in the bosom of our Lord, and may God grant her family and all those she left behind the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Ms Usman said.

Ms Okonjo became a full professor at the University of Ibadan in 1973 and was married to Chukwuka Okonjo, a distinguished Nigerian mathematician, economist, academic, and traditional ruler.

(NAN)