Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has thanked Nigerians and friends around the world for their condolences following the death of her mother, Prof. Kamene Okonjo, at the age of 96.
In a message shared on her social media page, Okonjo-Iweala said she had been overwhelmed by the tributes and messages of sympathy sent in honour of her mother.
She said she wished to thank all her friends and followers, adding that she and her entire family deeply appreciated the support.
“My mother lived a quality life till the end, and we are very grateful we had her for so long,” she said. “May her soul rest in perfect peace.”
Meanwhile, the Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has also paid tribute to the late Prof. Okonjo, saying he received the news of her passing with profound sorrow.
Obi described her as the beloved mother of the WTO chief and a revered matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State.
According to him, Prof. Okonjo lived a remarkable life of service, dignity, wisdom and devotion to her family, community and humanity.
He said her death was a great loss not only to the Okonjo family and the people of Ogwashi-Uku, but also to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her and drawing inspiration from her life.
Obi extended his heartfelt condolences to Okonjo-Iweala, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, His Royal Majesty, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, the entire Okonjo family and the people of the town.
“May Almighty God grant the family the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss, and may He grant our dearest mother, Prof. Kamene Okonjo, eternal rest,” he said.
