The speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Dennis Guwor, on Monday mourned Kamene Okonjo, mother of the director-general of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

This is contained in a condolence message by his chief press secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, and made available in Asaba on Monday.

Mr Guwor, who is also chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, described the former Queen of Ogwashi-Uku, in the Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state, as a mother who shaped destiny.

According to him, Ms Okonjo shaped destinies through service, intellect and faith. Her death at the age of 96 years is a painful loss to the Okonjo family,  Ogwashi-Uku, Delta and Nigeria at large.

He said the professor was not only the mother of a global icon but also an accomplished academic, a revered traditional queen and a community builder.

He added that her life was defined by service, intellect and unwavering faith in God, and her influence extended beyond her immediate family.

“As a professor, she moulded destinies; as a queen, she served with dignity; and as a mother, she raised children who have become pride to Delta, Nigeria and Africa on the global stage,” he said.

The speaker said it was fulfilling that Ms Okonjo lived long enough to witness her daughter’s global accomplishments and her son’s crowning as king.

He described the achievements as the ultimate joy of every virtuous mother, noting that her worthy legacies would continue to inspire generations.

Mr Guwor, on behalf of the speakers of the 36 state Houses of Assembly, including Delta, condoled with Mrs Okonjo-Iweala and the entire Okonjo family.

He also sympathised with the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, the people of Aniocha South and the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom over the loss.

Ms Okonjo was the mother of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II.

The late Ms Okonjo, who died on October 23, was married to the late Obi Chukwuka Okonjo, immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, for 66 years.

(NAN)